CHIXMESSAGES
2000

 

Ambrose (Jack) Jackson jac8260@aol.com Sun Dec 31 09:36:17 2000 All ex-Chixers, and to Brig Chris Holtom and his entire staff: My wishes for a Very Happy, Prosperous, and Healthy New Year. May everything go your way. Ambrose (Jack) Jackson, from not-so-warm Orlando, FL.
Hap Appleton pandypuss@aol.com Sat Dec 30 06:45:29 2000 Don Beets - If your'e out there, drop me a line.
Judy Picciuolo-Dane arthurspinky56@yahoo.com Fri Dec 29 18:21:59 2000 Wow! I just spent a good hour browsing the Chicksand message board! My Father, MSGT Jules V. Picciuolo (retired-1970) was stationed at Chicksands from 1964-1968? I was in 3, 4 and 5th grades during that time. It was the most exciting and memorable part of my childhood. I have 6 brother and sisters, David, Diane, Michael, Robert, STEven and Loraine. We spent so much time walking the area of Sheffield, Bedford, Biggleswade! What a special time! I am hoping to find a very special teacher! Her name was Miss Pouthier! I had her for 5 and 6th grade. I remember her telling the class to meet her in front of the Liberty bell in 1976! But of course I wasnt there. Does anyone know of her where abouts or is anyone from one of her classes? I'd be interested in hearing from anyone with interesting memories of people of the area! Also, I am looking for Roger Ward who was the organist at the base chapel. Thanks for all your help and Merry Christmas everyone!!
dave siefkas dave@camavision.com Thu Dec 28 23:17:42 2000 dave--i was just looking in the computer-saw your name thought i would say hello--was with you in italy also--got out in may of 72 from chixsand and came home to mansfield ohio--been here ever since--married, two grown children, work at a small office products company called the charles ritter co.--own a small part of it. life has been good--still in touch with some of the guys hope your well my e-mail is philnfranny.com buddy bateman
John D Newton Newtoncmjd@aol.com Thu Dec 28 19:11:36 2000 I'm not an alumni, but was a visitor from the 6901st. Glad to find you.
Glenn Burkland Sharprifle@aol.com Wed Dec 27 23:45:12 2000 My name is Glenn Burkland. I spent 1973-78 at RAF Chicksands. The happiest years of my life. I am trying to find old school friends. Mike Smith, Kenny Melnyck, Laura Czubinski, Doug Stevens, Eric Courville, etc. God Bless Joe Peacock. I miss seeing Mrs. Thompson at the Stars and Stripes. Anyone out there? Email me.
Granville Elliott (Satch) GElliottDJ@aol.com Wed Dec 27 08:48:54 2000 Recently found the site. Having some difficulty reading all of page. Was at the Sand from 58-61 on Dawg in barracks 487.Would love to hear from some old timers...Dave Pence, Larry Reese, George Seely, Charlie Carpenter, Ed FAhy, Jim Chorvat, Albert Whitmore
George B. Montague mgeorge@nsw.bigpond.net.au Tue Dec 26 17:42:13 2000 Most people receiving this message won’t know me. I am George B. Montague who was an early ( 1951 ) alumni of Chicksands ( 10th R.S.M.). When I heard that Chris ( B/Gen Chris Holtom ) was planning on setting up a museum to commemorate the US presence at Chicksands from 1950 to 1995 (from Strany ( Richard B. Stranathan ) I sent him some pictures that were taken in 1951 and 52. After I had thought about it, I had the idea that a Model of the FLR-9 would make a great exhibit and I contacted the Public Relations people at AIA. They informed me that as far as they could determine no model was available, but they did give me the names of the original mfg. and the present company who had the maint. contract for the existing installations. I contacted these companies and they also informed me that no models were available. After this fruitless search I so informed Chris. He also thought that a model should be in the museum and he informed me that “he could not accept that it was the end of the line and told me that we will build the darn thing ourselves! I have sufficient pictures here to give the task to the model builders who used to do scale models for the Joint Air Recce Centre. “ The model maker told Chris that he could do the job and quoted a price and Chris told him to go ahead. Chris got commitments from some Commercial Sponsors and informed me that the museum would have a good model of the FLR-9. I contacted Strany and told him that I thought that the 10th R.S.M.’s should fund as much of the cost of the model as possible and he agreed with me. He was in contact with a number of the people who were stationed at Chicksands during the 50’s and he volunteered to solicit funds from them. We managed to fund just over 50 percent of the cost and a scroll containing the names of all who contributed is displayed next to the Model. Chris has appointed Sue Douglas, Ernie Rudge, Don Beets, and Frank Santini (possibly misspelled)] to serve on this museum committee. They are Chicksands alumni who live in England near the base. One of the tasks assigned to this committee is an expansion of the current museum and the possibility of making it part of the Imperial War Museum, creating a triangle between the famous airplane museum at Duxford, the ever expanding WWII code breaking museum at Bletchley Park (near Milton Keynes) and Chicksands. Lord Sainsbury (a famous and influential face in the British commercial and government world) put the Brigadier in touch with the right people at the Imperial War Museum and they are interested. Now we get to the point of this message, to expand the museum Chris has designated a larger building to house it and to accomplish this more items are needed to enlarge the display area, so any keepsakes from your period at Chicksands would be appreciated, but the item most needed is funds to make this happen. Now I realize that the holiday season has just ended, but this will be a project that will take time and this is to let you know that you should keep this in the back of your mind so that when you have some available tax deductible funds you could donate them to this worthy undertaking I have been surfing the Internet for a number of years and corresponding with a number of ex-members of USAFSS and its later designations. What I have learned is that so much of the history of the Command has disappeared that I am afraid that in a few more years it will disappear all together. Larry Tart has been instrumental in establishing the National Vigilance Park dedicated to Air Crew and there is the Memorial and Exhibition Hall at Security Hill, but this is but a small part of the history of what we accomplished and I for one do not want it to disappear forever. I have mailed my monetary donation to the Chicksands Museum fund. If you feel as I do then please write a check to the "USAFSS/ESC Memorial Fund," mark the MEMO/FOR block of the check "Chix Museum," and mail the check to: FTVA (Treasurer) 7323 Hwy 90 West, Suite 16 San Antonio, TX 78227 This will also make the donation “Tax Deductible” So I would ask all Chicksands Alumni to get behind this great project to protect our History and give others an idea of what we did to help make this world a better place. George B. Montague Chicksands 1951 - 1953
patricia maggelet ladygator@gateway Tue Dec 26 15:36:09 2000 HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO CHICKSANDS ALUMNI FROM FAMILY OF MSGT HAROLD MAGGELET DECEASED. SSGT MICHAEL MAGGELET USAF RET. MICHELLE CROSSLEY, ROBERT MAGGELET AND JACQUELYN AND WIFE PATRICIA. WE HAVE VERY FOND MEMORIES OF CHICKSANDS AND SURROUNDING AREAS OF BIGGELWADE AND LUTON.
Mike Copperwheat copperwheatm@drum.army.mil Tue Dec 26 15:32:43 2000 for j. mcgill, looking for nick swindell, well i was on charlie flight from jan 71 till relay closed. left chicksands in nov 74 after working the switchboard also. nick left when relay closed and left the service. about 18 months later at my next assigment found nick back in service as a air policeman. i got out in jan 76 and nick was sent to some little station in alaska believe he owns a motel in panama city fla now.
Willard (Addy) Addington wladdin@aol.com Mon Dec 25 01:31:11 2000 Pam and I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. To everyone who works a Mid tonight--hope you get an early hit tomorrow morning.
Poul Carstensen thuro54@yahoo.com Thu Dec 21 22:36:34 2000 I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday-keep all active duty people in your thoughts. It's hard when your Christmas "hit" is December 4th and you're doing a mid on Christmas Eve. Peace to you all, and Good Night Mrs. Calabash (sp) wherever you are!
Fred Davis fldavis56@aol.com Thu Dec 21 15:16:58 2000 Trying to locate a Stephen B. Place, was a Lt. in the AF at the Sands in 1959.
WES JENSON thomaealan@aol.com Thu Dec 21 11:20:59 2000 Merry Christmas from "Mr Comfy Olympics" to all the former Chicksanders (is that a word!!) and especially to the many I knew from 87 - 91 while running the nut farm that you all called the orderly room.( you all - that's what happens living in the South - you type and talk like them!!). I recently pulled out the cricket bat I received when I left in 91, goodness, how many names on there that took the time to sign it I didn't fully realize until just recently. Again, Merry Christmas from the Jenson's (Wes, Maria, Lisa, and Rebekah - oh yeah, also Tasha our dog!).
w. l. wilson wlwii@nauticom.net Thu Dec 21 07:51:46 2000 gentlemen, some years ago, i heard that an airman was knifed to death by a green party member during the base's annual open house are you familiar with this incident and could you please tell me how i could learn more about it? --- i really enjoyed reading your poem --- it is so true. thanks! w. l. wilson wlwii@nauticom.net
Dave Moore snafu228@aol.com Fri Dec 15 16:56:11 2000 Here's hoping that all of you has a very merry Christmas and a New Year full of promise.
Rog and Sandy Harkins rsharkin@mtaonline.net Thu Dec 14 11:19:29 2000 To all Chix'rs past and current we wish you a Very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.
JACK STANTON JCS@CBMCLAW.COM Wed Dec 13 12:06:41 2000 I WOULD JUST LIKE TO WISH ALL EX AMERICAN CHICKSTERS AND CURRENT BRITISH CHICKSTERS A HAPPY AND SAFE HOLIDAY SEASON.
Ambrose Jackson j8260@aol.com Mon Dec 11 16:29:04 2000 I want to wish all ex-Chixers and all our British friends a very Merry and Blessed Christmas, and may you and yours enjoy good health, happiness, and prosperity during the coming New Year. Ambrose (Jack) from Orlando, Florida
Bobby Davis webmaestro@uswest.net Sun Dec 3 23:41:26 2000 Just wanted to let everyone know that my e-mail has changed (for the millionth time). Drop me a line at webmaestro@uswest.net
Dan Chicorelli danchic@netzero.com Sat Dec 2 23:32:04 2000 Somebody looking for me?
Larry Tart LarryTart@aol.com Sat Dec 2 12:33:08 2000 Fellow Chix Alumni: I have a limited number of copies of a video of the Y2K Chicksands Reunion in July 2000. The video--in U.S.-compatible VHF format--covers highlights of the reunion and is sure to bring fond memories to all Americans who served at RAF Chicksands during the Cold War. The price of the video is $12.00, including USPS priority mailing costs. To order a copy of the video, please send an email message to: LarryTart@aol.com.
Dale J. Boersma jeboersma@home.com Fri Dec 1 10:33:59 2000 I would like to purchase a USAFSS T-shirt and sweat shirt in 2xx Tif possible. Using the navy blue instead of the light blue in the patch.
R. Book RalAil@cs.com Thu Nov 30 08:52:03 2000 The revolt in Florida is just one aspect of our independence. However, having lived there for five years prior to moving back to Colorado. I must admit - there isn't to many "natives" that reside in Florida. Being mindful of the generation that lives in Florida half the time "Snowbirds in Fla" and "Cottontops in Ariz"(I being one of the same era 60ish) But, have been told I'm a babe in the woods. I can see why the vote problem occured). If ever you have been anywhere in Florida at 3:30PM - 6:30PM You will know what I'm referring to. "I wonder how many votes were cast during these hours". But, in closing I also wonder out loud why "Ponce De Leon" wandered off course and made that terrible discovery. If he had of maybe gone into another state would the problem have shifted? Ah well Sunshine, Water, Dimpled ballots, Chad and Sand all go together.. Aurora Colorado
Larry Churchill lshilhsd@earthlink.net Tue Nov 28 21:59:07 2000 To Jack Stanton's entry dated Tuesday 11/28 regarding the "Revocation of American Independence". I agree with Jack in all respects except one. As a Floridan, born and breed in this great state, I would like to suggest that instead of giving Florida back to Spain we give southeast Florida (Dade , Palm Beach and Broward counties) back to New York & New Jersey. There would then be no problem with the Florida vote.
Vince Wuwert Vawuwert@aol.com Tue Nov 28 18:27:42 2000 My thanks to Brig Holtom and his staff at DISC for putting together a first rate video of the Y2K reunion at Chicksands in July of 2000. First rate sir and my thanks to Larry Tart for his involvement in making it available to the American veterans. Well done gentlemen . Well done. Merry Christmas to all! Vince Wuwert 6950th SG 66-68
Tue Nov 28 18:27:34 2000
Vince Wuwert Vawuwert@aol.com Tue Nov 28 18:27:27 2000 My thanks to Brig Holtom and his staff at DISC for putting together a first rate video of the Y2K reunion at Chicksands in July of 2000. First rate sir and my thanks to Larry Tart for his involvement in making it available to the American veterans. Well done gentlemen . Well done. Merry Christmas to all! Vince Wuwert 6950th SG 66-68
JACK STANTON JCS@CBMCLAW.COM Tue Nov 28 15:56:40 2000 THIS MESSAGE IS IN REPLY TO THE LONDON STAFF'S REVOCATION OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE. I THINK THAT, AT THIS POINT IN TIME, MOST AMERICAN COLONISTS WOULD LOOK FAVORABLY UPON YOUR DECLARATION. I FOR ONE WOULD BE PROUD TO PROCLAIM "UP THE BRITS" AT OLD FORT PITT AT THE HEADWATERS OF THE OHIO RIVER. MY ONLY REQUEST IS THAT PARLIAMENT ALLOW RADIO CAROLINE TO RETURN TO THE AIR. ALSO, I WOULD LIKE TO RECOMMEND MAGGIE THATCHER AS THE NEW DEFENSE MINISTER. HOWEVER, I THINK THE FLORIDA COLONY SHOULD REVERT BACK TO SPAIN AND NOT BECOME AN UNDUE BURDEN ON THE CROWN. JOLLY GOOD SHOW EH? HIP HIP HOORAY, PIP PIP, ONCE MORE INTO THE BREACH DEAR FRIENDS, UP THE BRITISH & GOD SAVE THE QUEEN.
London Staff crown@palace.org Tue Nov 28 08:12:44 2000 NOTICE OF THE REVOCATION OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE To all my subjects in the colonies formerly known as the United States of America: In the light of your failure to elect a President and thus to govern yourselves, we hereby give notice of the revocation of your independence, effective today. Her Sovereign Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will resume monarchical duties over all former colonies, commonwealths and other territories annexed since 1776. Your new prime minister (The Rt. Hon. Tony Blair, MP) will appoint a Royal Governor for America. The American Congress is hereby disbanded, although most people will not notice. To aid in the transition to a British Crown Dependency, the following rules are introduced with immediate effect: 1. The use of "US English" is hereby abolished. Microsoft has been notified of the change and is ordered to issue an immediate software update. 2. All my American subjects are required to raise vocabulary and pronunciation to acceptable levels. Copies of the Oxford English Dictionary will be distributed to all schools and libraries; all subjects will be required to look up "aluminium," "disciplinary," "schedule," and "garage" and to learn how to pronounce them properly. 3. All my American subjects will learn to distinguish British from Australian accents. 4. All my American subjects will relearn your original national anthem, "God Save The Queen." 5. What has been referred to as American "football" is hereby abolished; baseball bats may be exchanged for cricket bats (1 for 1) through 1st April. 6. 4th July will no longer be a National holiday. It is replaced by a new national holiday on 7th November, called "Indecisiveness Day". 7. All American cars are hereby banned and should be surrendered to the nearest breaker's yard for disposal. Credits will be issued for repl;acement British cars, with the steering wheel on the correct side of the vehicle. 8. Effective immediately all road signs will be replaced to reflect new regulations for driving on the proper side of the carriageway. 9. Starbucks and similar coffee establishments are hereby closed till they can reopen as proper tea rooms. 10. Beer and ales shall be drunk at room temperature. All commercial drinking establishments shall close at 23 hours.
Eddie Edwards scissorhands62@hotmail.com Mon Nov 27 12:44:54 2000 Sequel to "The Lord of The Rights" is here! Based on the trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien, I have written a sequel that picks up with the story of Aldarion, Aragorn's son, King in Gondor. To get your special copy, send $14.95 (for shipping/handling to anywhere in the world) to Eddie Edwards (Chix from 92-94)at 8935 160th Ave. NE, #C120, Redmond, WA, 98052 and include your address so I can send you a copy in time for Christmas! Merry Christmas my Chix mates!
Ed Mangiero elmangiero Sun Nov 26 10:20:54 2000 Chix from 1986-1995, with a short 6 month gap in 1991. Tended Bar in the Wispering Sands, R&G, and Officer's Club (nice atmosphere...but much slower pace). I had the big mouth at Base Softball games...something I'm still trying to outgrow. Really looking to touch base with this big baldheaded teammate on the USAFE Champ Team. from the clinic. Tom: Drop a note you big studly creature...remember the busrides home from "away games" drinking "THUNDERDOG" (half thunderbird and half MadDog mixed in gallon milk jugs). Big memories of Ryder Cup matches at Beadlow as well. (I guess there are more "non-alcoholic" memories....but they're not as much fun to read so I'll refrain from boring you). Look forward to hearing from folks directly to elmangiero@aol.com Cheers!
Ed Mangiero elmangiero@aol.com Sun Nov 26 09:52:43 2000 I was in CHix 1986 - 1995, and WAS NCOIC of (6950th) Job Control. I worked under Wayne Foster for a time. I was informed that someone was inquiring about info on Wayne Foster. I looked through all the "posted messages" and was unable to find the msg in question. If anyone has recollection of this msg and some contact info to pass my way...I would appreciate a note. Thanks
Ambrose (Jack) Jackson jac8260@aol.com Wed Nov 22 15:20:13 2000 This is to wish all ex-Chixers a very happy and fulfilling Thanksgiving Day and to let you know that the Chicksands family is always on my mind. All the best to everyone!
Ambrose (Jack) Jackson jac8260@aol.com Wed Nov 22 15:20:05 2000 This is to wish all ex-Chixers a very happy and fulfilling Thanksgiving Day and to let you know that the Chicksands family is always on my mind. All the best to everyone!
Allan Lizzie allanl@novia.net Tue Nov 21 13:27:24 2000 I'm looking for anyone who might have an email address or knows the whereabouts of Ray Donnelly. He worked in F25 starting around 1989.
Tim Johnson tjohnjr348@aol.com Tue Nov 21 02:08:17 2000 I was at the Sands from 1967 to 1971. I had the time of my life. I was in the Comm Sq. i am looking for all my boys that was there too like Cal, Flinttroy, Big Foot, Bizz, Sadie, LLoyd Clark, Lawrence Freeman, Billy Reed, and many others. We had some good times playing bid whist and drinking Jim Beam and partying at the Airman's club and in Bedford. I live in the Washington DC area and some of us get together and have a reunion. Get in touch with me asap. I would love to hear from all of my buddies.
Vince Wuwert Vawuwert@aol.com Sun Nov 19 11:11:18 2000 Greetings to all veterans of service at Chicksands. I wanted to add my comments about the video tape. It is well done. I will keep it as a nice remembrance of my return to Chicksands for the Y2K reunion. My thanks for such outstanding work go to Brig Holtom and his staff at DISS who did the production and to Larry Tart for making it available in the American format. And also to anyone who had anything to do with putting together not only the reunion but the video tape. Thanks for the Memories folks. Vince Wuwert Chix 66-68 Baker Flight
Roger Sprague rsprague@supernet.com Fri Nov 17 19:34:19 2000 In Oct of this year, a group of us met in Chattanooga, TN for a reunion. We decided to make this an annual event, and are planning on one in Gettysburg, PA the first weekend in Nov of 2001. The criteria for membership are that you were at Chicksands in the 50's, were on Baker trick, or in one of the affiliated small groups, such as 202's or 203's. In other words, you should know enough people from the Baker 50's to be sure and have a good time. If you meet the criteria and wish to come, please contact me at the above e-mail address. Cheers, Roger Sprague
Roger Sprague rsprague@supernet.com Fri Nov 17 19:29:45 2000 In October of this year, a group of us had a wonderful time at a reunion in Chattanooga, TN. We decided to make this an annual thing, and are planning on the first weekend in November, 2001,
CA&F Coord Staff www.chicksands.com Fri Nov 17 08:48:11 2000 Operation 'Dear Abby' 2000 Is Underway------------ DoD has IDd 4 Operation Dear Abby addresses for the 2000 holiday season. For the past 16 years, Abigail Van Buren, through her nationally syndicated column, has brought goodwill and cheer to the men and women of the armed forces. During the holiday season, she solicits everyone to send cards and letters to servicemembers stationed overseas. Addresses to be used for sending 1st class letter mail, 13 oz or less to "Any Service Member" are: Operation Dear Abby, APO AE 09135-for Europe and South West Asia Operation Dear Abby, FPO AE 09646-for the Mediterranean Basin Operation Dear Abby, APO AP 96285-for the Far East Operation Dear Abby, FPO AP 96385-for the Pacific Basin The above addresses of major US aerial mail terminals and fleet mail centers overseas are used as mail hubs. They receive and distribute mail on a fair-share basis to all Services in their respective areas. This precludes over-burdening transportation assets and inundating specific military units. It also allows for wider distribution to servicemembers.
Shelby Sample (was Pizzullo) blondie8869@hotmail.com Fri Nov 17 00:30:07 2000 I was a dependant stationed there between 92 and 94. I am looking for a really good friend of mine. I lost contact with her. When we were at Chicksands together her name was Rhonda Elms but when she returned to the states she divorced and changed her last name to Mitchell. She has since remarried. The last time i talked to her she was stationed at Wright-Patterson AFB in OH. and was getting ready to pcs but I do not know where. If anyone knows how I can contact her please let me know. I have some important news to tell her. Thank you. And if anyone remembers me feel free to contact me.
arnold weeks aweeks@neflin.org Wed Nov 15 10:47:13 2000 Received my Chicksands plate yesterday in the mail. It is very attractive. Thanks to all involved in getting these delivered prior to Christmas. Cheers, Arnie Weeks
Rog & Sandy Harkins rsharkin@mtaonline.net Tue Nov 14 23:59:06 2000 Just received our video of the Chicks Reunion and dedication. It was great and really had some super highlights of the entire week. We want to say a special thanks to Larry Tart for all his efforts and hard work getting this to us. THANKS LARRY.
Greg Gabaldon gregory.gabaldon@holloman.af.mil Tue Nov 14 15:59:43 2000 Nice to see a few familiar names... Hi to John and Marcia Klien and Ron Savage. Stationed with 6950th from '87-'89 and then '91-'95. Worked in FLR-9 shop both times. Moved to Mildenhall for four years, then Holloman AFB. How nice it was... an Air Base without planes !!
Ambrose (Jack) Jackson jac8260@aol.com Sat Nov 11 13:57:53 2000 Veteran's Day greetings and best wishes to everyone and especially to our good friends at Chicksands. Incidentaly, I received my Reunion Video and enjoyed it very much. My thanks to all who participated in producing the tape, and also to Larry Tart for taking care of the details necessary to get it out to us. It's a real keeper! Jack from hot old Orlando.
Natalie White (McCombs) n1white@aol.com Fri Nov 10 21:20:02 2000 Hi, I'm looking for Ms. Grahm. 1980-83. She taught my 2nd grade class and was like my 2nd mum. My father was CMS John McCombs. I have two older sisters Rae and Lorraine. Thank you.
Bill Grayson Chicksands@webtv.net Fri Nov 10 12:39:57 2000 Veterans' Day greetings to all my service sisters and brothers, Allied and US!
John JOHN@goss-smith.freeserve.co.uk Fri Nov 10 09:09:17 2000 Hallo all at Abbotts come in see ya all soon
Rebecca Fahey pezmom@mindspring.com Fri Nov 10 08:02:57 2000 I just viewed my reunion video and I want to congratulate the folks who put it together. My thanks to all of you. Seeing it for the first time was exciting and fun. The events featured were fun and the video brought back many wonderful memories. I look forward to watching the video many times as I attempt to share my feelings about this event. Thank you Larry for getting it out to us just in time for Veteran's Day. Cheers to all.....Becky
JOHN STANTON JCS@CBMCLAW.COM Thu Nov 9 12:43:41 2000 JUST RECEIVED LARRY TART'S VIDEO OF THE REUNION CEREMONIES. REALLY ENJOYED WATCHING IT. IT WAS VERY WELL DONE. DISAPOINTED HOWEVER IN NOT SEEING MORE OF THE BASE AND HOW IT HAD CHANGED OVER THE YEARS IF THAT WAS ALLOWED. ANYONE HAVING A VIDEO OF THE VARIOUS PARTS OF THE BASE, I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO SEE IT. I WOULD BE HAPPY TO PAY THE COST OF COPYING AND YOUR TIME. PLEASE ADVISE. THANKS.
JOHN STANTON JCS@CBMCLAW.COM Thu Nov 9 09:12:58 2000 JUST RECEIVED MY CHICKSANDS REUNION VIDEOTAPE FROM LARRY TART. IT WAS WELL DONE AND I THOROUGHLY ENJOYED WATCHING IT. HOWEVER, MY ONLY DISAPPOINTMENT IS THAT THERE ARE NO SCENES OF THE BASE. I WAS HOPING TO SEE HOW THE BASE HAS CHANGED OVER THE YEARS. IF YOU WERE PERMITTED TO FILM ON BASE AND ANYONE HAS A TAPE, I WOULD CERTAINLY APPRECIATE IT IF I COULD RECEIVE A COPY. I WOULD BE HAPPY TO PAY FOR THE COST OF COPYING AND YOUR TIME. THANKS MUCH.
mark wendruff usaf@freeuk.com Tue Nov 7 17:23:15 2000 better luck on 2nd try! that's an alternate E mail address for me. cheers, mark
mark wendruff marktheshark71@hotmail.com Tue Nov 7 17:20:34 2000 Just wanted to add an alternate E mail address in case of a hotmail failure: Stay safe out there!
Bill Grayson william.ctr.grayson@faa.gov Mon Nov 6 16:27:34 2000 Chicksands History - - 6 November marks the 60th anniversary of the Luftwaffe air raid that damaged the Priory. In the wee hours of the 6th, a flight of Heinkel 111 bombers of Kampfgruppe 55 dropped HE bombs, missing the Priory by only meters, breaking all of the south-facing windows and shifting some of the ancient monastic roof timbers. In the shifting of timbers, the ornate papered ceiling in the 2nd story "library" was torn. The recent major rehab of the building skillfully camouflages the 1940 damage but, if you know where to look, the Priory's wartime scars are still visible.
SheffordPress SheffordPress@webtv.net Mon Nov 6 12:06:46 2000 SPECIAL HOLIDAY GIFT SALE The Chicksands history book (Chicksands: A Millennium of History, 3rd Edition). Available for holiday gift-giving with your personalised holiday message hand-written and autographed by the author - $12.50 postpaid to US addresses. Additional copies to same address: $11.00. Send check/MO to: Shefford Press, POB 4053, Crofton MD 21114. Books mailed within 24 hrs of receipt of order. To assure on-time mail delivery, this offer ends with Crofton PO mail pick-up on 9 December! Don't delay!
JOHN STANTON JCS@CBMCLAW.COM Mon Nov 6 10:08:47 2000 IF ANY OF YOU OLD CHICKSTERS, 66-69, EVER SPENT TIME WITH THE 6984TH ON SHEMYA IN THE ALEUTIANS, PLEASE CONTACT ME. THANKS.
Roger Grimshaw evieroger@yahoo.com Sat Nov 4 10:58:53 2000 Thought I was allready listed, however could not find my name. I entered it once again. I was also at the Sands in 1961 and 1962 before going to the 6937th in Peshawar Pakistan. Retrained into computer programmer/analyst in 1966 and worked in that field until retiring at the Pentagon in 1976.
Thurston cameo@ixnetcom.comSaww Fri Nov 3 18:41:40 2000 saw the website and enjoyed it. thanks Englishspice
Thurston cameo@ixnetcom.comSaww Fri Nov 3 18:41:38 2000 saw the website and enjoyed it. thanks Englishspice
Thurston cameo@ixnetcom.comSaww Fri Nov 3 18:41:32 2000 saw the website and enjoyed it. thanks Englishspice
Howard (CLEM) Kletter hklet@yahoo.com Fri Nov 3 08:00:14 2000 Stationed at Sands 59-61 and again 65-68. Worked with Col DeGraff and Earley B Teal. Back in 59 worked for Sgt David Moore on A trick Any oldtimers who remember the good times, contact me
Dave Comstock drcomstocknospam@cablespeed.com Mon Oct 30 10:47:45 2000 Just touching base to update my new email addy. Stationed at the Sands from 82-84. Heard from folks recently and it reminded me I'd better update the new address.....as usual, take the nospam out of the address!...See Ya's!
Earl Richardson lourx@lswinc.com Sun Oct 29 22:59:50 2000 I was at the Sands from 53 to 56. Would like to hear from any and all from that period. I worked in the block , dits and dahs , the old wire antenna systems.
Earl Richardson lourx@lswinc.com Sun Oct 29 22:59:49 2000 I was at the Sands from 53 to 56. Would like to hear from any and all from that period. I worked in the block , dits and dahs , the old wire antenna systems.
Bill Bryant wcbryant@tallasssee.net Sun Oct 29 00:11:58 2000 On the ChixAlumni page my e-mail address is incorrect. It should read wcbryant@tallassee.net
Chris (Fultz)(Bambach) Brown cbrown1573@aol.com Fri Oct 27 12:23:25 2000 Hello all that were stationed at Chicksands from 1991 to 1994. It was great. If you remember me please write
Bill Grayson Chicksands@webtv.net Fri Oct 27 12:03:44 2000 CHIX SHIRTS Just rediscovered 4 new Fighting Chick logo (embroidered) polo shirts in a box in the basement. They never made the trip to the Y2K reunion, where all the shirts that went over sold out. These 4 are all white, short-sleeved size XL. Guaranteed by mfr for 10 years. Closeout price: $23.00. When these are gone, that's the last of them! Send me an email ASAP to reserve and wait for an OK BEFORE mailing a check to be sure they aren't all gone!
David Picciuolo djpicciuolo@swbell.net Thu Oct 26 22:01:37 2000 Greetings from an "Air Force Brat" who lived on or near RAF Chicksands from 1965 until 1968. My Dad was worked on the hill with the 6950th. I was a member of the Boy Scouts and attended meetings not too far from the OPS Center. I camped out there in the snow not too far from the "elephant cage". After we left there, we went to Goofellow where Dad (MSGT Jules Picciuolo) went as an instructor in 1968 at the 6940th. I made Eagle in San Angelo. While at Chicksands, I attended school from the 7th through the 9th grade. Standards were sure high there. My 9th grade class took a ten day trip through France, Belgium, W.Germany, and Austria. We spent a wonderful time there. I wish I could remember all of the kids names, but my best friend was Stephen M. McClellan. His dad was Marty McClellan. Steve planned to build a plane he could fly on his Grandpa's farm in southern Illinois based on actual models that I saw him build and fly. I wish I knew where he is today. I also experienced a loss of a friend who was a Star Scout while there. Craig White died of leukemia if I recall correctly. He would have made Eagle for sure. My favorite teacher's were Gloria Magnuson and Maurice Richmond. My brothers and sisters to this day still remember "Richmond's Rules" for playing four-square. I also remember Mr. Richmonds blow by blow description of the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. He watched it from a hill where he used to go off and be alone. Mrs. Magnuson was a tough Engish teacher who made us handwrite all of the footnotes in the paperback Shakespearean plays. We say just about every play at Stratford on Avon. My brothers and sisters who went to school there (Diane, Judy, Michael, Robert, Steve, and Loraine) all have good memories as well as I and I envy some of the memories they recount that I cannot recall. When we went to San Angelo, I ran into Armando San Miguel and his dad was in the OPS center as well. Oh, I just remember Joseph Broussard, the Scoutmaster of the Boy Scout Troop there. His two son's were also in the troop. One was Jeff, a Star Scout and I can't remember his older brother's name, but he was a Life Scout. I remember others, but the names escape me right now. Perhaps I'll say more about them at another time. My e-mail address is djpicciuolo@swbell.net. I would be happy to converse with anyone who was around RAF Chicksands around that time (65-68) and would like to talk about the good times we had there as an Air Force community.
glenda brouillette (burt) americanmr@compuserve.com Thu Oct 26 17:19:21 2000 Poul...I know where my ex-johnny burt is...email me! Glenda
glenda brouillette glendabrouillette@hotmail.com Thu Oct 26 17:06:14 2000 looking for anyone who knows whereabouts of vicki poore....
R. Book RalAil@cs.com Mon Oct 23 21:30:18 2000 Let me echo the sentiments of Vince Wuwert to BG Holtom. Sir, another salute and a masonic handshake to you for thinking of us. Even though WO's neither give or receive salutes.
Howard Cross camra1992@tescolnet Sun Oct 22 15:49:56 2000 I would like to have a large cloth USAFSS shield. And a small ESC and AIA shields. Does anyone know where I can purchase these?
Vince Wuwert Vawuwert@aol.com Sun Oct 22 09:51:46 2000 Brig Holtom, Thanks for your commitment to US-UK solidarity for flying the US Flag at half staff on behalf of the sailors aboard USS Cole. I salute you sir! Vince
Vince Wuwert Vawuwert@aol.com Sun Oct 22 09:51:42 2000 Brig Holtom, Thanks for your commitment to US-UK solidarity for flying the US Flag at half staff on behalf of the sailors aboard USS Cole. I salute you sir! Vince
Poul Carstensen pcarstens@nycap.rr.com Sun Oct 22 01:22:23 2000 Just another note to say hello to anyone stationed at Chicksands in '81. I was wondering about Johnny Burt (Photo Lab), Linguist Jeff Hart, Supply dude Norm Music, and anyone that was with the Chicksands Players when we did "Lovers and Other Strangers". If anyone can get me in touch with Brent Bolter (202 that may have been at Chicks but was in Japan in 81), give me a holler. Does anyone know if Goodfellow has a site like this? We all spent long days there - it would be nice to link up with people that were there from Feb-Sep of 80.
FROSTY ENGLISHSPICE666@AOL.COM Sat Oct 21 14:53:16 2000 HI EVERYONE WHO WAS AT CHICKSANDS, IM LOOKING FOR PEOPLE FROM 82-87 ESPECIALLY SMITTY (AL), ICE, BREEZE, WHO REMEMBERS KABAAR THE DJ FROM CHICKS KILLED IN CAR CRASH, CHEVY, ANYONE WHO REMEMBERS PLEASE PLEASE CONTACT ME
Becky Fahey pezmom@mindspring.com Thu Oct 19 23:14:42 2000 Please do not send email to me at my work address (rfahey@mde.state.md.us). Only use my private address and indicate Chicksands in the subject line! Thanks!!!! Becky
Becky Fahey rfahey@mde.state.md.us Thu Oct 19 07:55:15 2000 Becky, Would like to make contact with you because I'm also in Maryland. I was at Chicksands too, as a 203 on able flight, from Jan 65, through late in 66 (was sent 2T to Turkey). Don't know if any of this means anything to you. Pls email me back here or at: alannew@aol.com. Thanks much.
Liz Braswell sambwell@concentric.net Mon Oct 16 13:56:53 2000 Sorry about that. http://www.videoranch.net/chicksands.htm Liz did it!
Sam and Liz Braswell sambwell@concentric.net Mon Oct 16 13:53:45 2000 Hi all, don't forget to stop by and check out the Find-A-Friend List and leave a message ont the Chixs Message Board. http://wideoranch.net/chicksands.htm
Joe Haines joehaines@hotmail.com Mon Oct 16 06:51:10 2000 I wondered what happened to Don "charlie" Beets. I was stationed with him at Darmstadt in the early 60s and at Chicksands. Worked for him on Baker Flight 68/69. Sure would like to hear from him if he ever gets a chance to drop me a line. Thanks
Chix US Vets www.chicksands.com Sun Oct 15 08:26:30 2000 Brigadier Holtom: US vets appreciate the reaffirmation of UK-US solidarity by flying the US Flag at half-staff to honour sailors lost in USS Cole.
Jim Rice jimpearl_2000@yahoo.com Sat Oct 14 00:39:12 2000 Hi all former USAFSS personel. I was invited to join a chat room club of just former and present USAFSS personnel. you can see it by going to http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/airforcesecurityservice.
Sue Douglas sddougl@aol.com Mon Oct 9 09:28:06 2000 All, I and three fellow retirees living in the Bedfordshire area [Ernie Rudge, Don Beets, and Frank Santini (possibly mispelled)] have been invited by the current Commandant of Chicksands, Brigadier Holtom, to serve on his museum committee. As some of you will know, the British Army has taken over the base and the MoD is consolidating a lot of its training there. They have built a wonderful Intelligence Museum that includes a US Air Force room. The museum was opened in July at the Chicksands reunion and lots of former Fighting Chix attended. The first committee meeting was held on 29 September. So what does this have to do with you and why the email? Well, I am convinced that Brigadier Holtom has a real vision for the museum and am hoping to help the committee expand and improve this fitting memorial to all the US Air Force troops that served at Chixsands. To do that, we are going to need a lot of help. First of all, let me say that the long term plan is to possibly make the museum part of the Imperial War Museum, creating a triangle between the famous airplane musuem at Duxford, the ever expanding WWII code breaking museum at Bletchley Park (near Milton Keynes) and Chicksands. Lord Sainsbury (a famous and influential face in the British commercial and government world) put the Brigadier in touch with the right people at the Imperial War Museum and they are interested. But first, the Chicksands museum must prove it is a viable organization. The museum is currently located in the old chem warfare building (as of 1993-5) next to the base headquarters by the pizza hut (Social Actions building) across from the post office. This is way too small and the Brigadier has donated two larger buildings (the old supply building and warehouse) to house the museum. These obviously need refurbishment to make them suitable. The idea is to create a unique Museum of Defence Intelligence highlighting the contributions of all the services ever assigned to RAF Chicksands from the Y-service in WWII to the USAF presence to the current day. There are also plans for a first class website. In the meantime, the museum has been listed as a registered UK charity and the base is exploring how to make it more accessible to the public given the security concerns surrounding an active military base. So what do we need? First of all, lots of publicity. I will be sending a cleaned up copy of this email to Jo Ann Himes at the FTVA for publication. I am also hoping Bill Grayson will send this out to all the Chix Alumni and Friends. I hope you will pass this on to all your friends who were at Chix and spread the word via squadron newsletters if you are still on active duty. The next thing needed are items to display. The museum is currently full of wonderful things from the 1940's to the early 1960's, but has hardly anything from the 70's-90's. We could use uniforms, patches, photographs, and items showing how we lived (baseball trophies, hats, photos in the dorms, etc.). We also need an old 1950's/60's style black, rotary style telephone. The committee plans to do a number of living displays in the new museum. These will show the various missions of the organizations assigned to Chix and how we lived and worked. We especially want to do some interactive things that will enable school children, whom we want to target, to get a feel for the place. Right now, the idea is to build a big model of the base for the center display and then have others surrounding it. We are keen to model the comm squadron and show how a message might come in from anywhere in the world and be routed through Chix. The idea is to have an old Mod-28 that a child could type a message on and have to take home as a piece of yellow punch tape. ((Brings back memories, eh?)). We also thought a plotting board with map and grease pencils might be cool. We also want to maybe do a baseball display ((Maybe dedicated to Bill Siefring?)). Thus, we are anxious to have your thoughts on what we might display and any donations of items that might help. I am especially keen to get a Mod-28 donated and will pursue this through Dave Hill and contacts in Maryland. We are also hoping to create some US Air Force items to sell in the gift shop. Your thoughts on that would be appreciated. I thought we might copy some of the old flight hats if I could get one to use as a model and maybe patches and insignia. Finally, we need funds - about $25,000 to start - so I am looking for suggestions for corporate sponsorship and any small donations that units or organizations might make through fundraisers held on the museum's behalf. Two other things worth noting - the museum hopes to be the official archive for historical papers associated with Chix and intends to register as such and fund to provide that service to enquirers. We are also hoping to create some multimedia displays, perhaps with people who were stationed at Chix describing various aspects of life there. So if we have anyone with good stories to tell, including ghost stories about the Priory, we'd be grateful to hear from them. Speaking of the Priory, the British have spent five million pounds restoring it and it is absolutely beautiful. It really did my heart good to see it, and the base, in such good condition. Thanks for taking the time to pour through all this info and please pass it on to other Chix alumni. Any feedback or display donations will be gratefully received. I had a good time digging through my old photos and "memories" trunk to find things for the museum. I hope this finds you all well. Best regards, Sue
Ralph Book RalAil@CS.com Fri Oct 6 18:27:10 2000 A fellow Chixster by the name of John (Dick) Boyd has/is having major medical difficulties. Also had a Heart Attack o/a 9/23/00. He is on the mend but probably has a long way to go. Maybe a few words of encouragement would be the "order" of the day. Thanks folks. His addee is "Johnrboyd@email.msn.com". Ralph Book Aurora Colo
Elmer "Catfish" Wright cfwrighte@netscape.net Tue Oct 3 10:24:56 2000 Barbara and I had the pleasure of being stationed at Chix, 63-66. We were part of the "Grozdanich Gorillas 33" sent there to introduce the new FLR-9 system. In response to Craig Hammer, if memory serves me right there were two Ken Hammers but I believe your dad worked with us during the 63-64 period. We definitely had a grand ole time. For Mike Murray, I run into Al Quigg occasionally, usually at the Lackland BX. We were saddened to hear of Rick Staats demise. We were stationed together in Karamursel and at the agency in the 70s. Our condolence with Mim and family.
Bill Grayson Chicksands@webtv.net Fri Sep 29 13:19:22 2000 Ref note of 282236Sep00 below. Immediately I saw this item, checked rumor of Jim George' passing with his wife, Catherine. Jim is OK and has been doing well since the reunion at Chicksands. They are vacationing in NH and head home for Melbourne FL shortly.
Addy wladdin@aol.com Thu Sep 28 22:36:53 2000 FTVA reunion began today with a golf tournament at Kelly Golf Course. About 150 members participated. Many prior Chicksands people were on hand and lots of conversation about the Chix reunion could be heard. The picnic is scheduled for 11AM Friday on Security Hill and a Dinner/Dance will be held Sat night. A rumor that was heard set all of us back a bit. Rumor is that Col George passed away a few days ago. Not confirmed yet. Lots of activity here in San Antonio with several hundred ex Security Service members on hand.
Fred Copeland fredbo1@aol.com Thu Sep 28 20:30:47 2000 Stationed at Chicksands from 88 - 95. 2112 CS, 7274 CS, 774 CF. Now retired and living in SC with wife Sandie, daughters Elisha and Rachel.
CA&F Coords chicksands.com Thu Sep 28 13:50:08 2000 ******** REUNION VIDEO ******** Larry Tart advises that copies of the July reunion video (in US VHS format) will be available for mailing to US addresses around 1st November. Larry will be on the road till mid-October but asks that those who want a copy or copies of the video do two things: (1) BEFORE 18 OCT, send email to LarryTart@aol.com specifying how many copies you are ordering and (2) ASAP, send Larry check/MO for $12.00, which includes $3.20 postage per copy of tape to: Larry Tart, 562 Brittany Drive, State College, PA 16803-1424. Please print your mailing address (or addresses if ordering as gifts) clearly on a note enclosed with the check - not only on your envelope!
John Kelley john-betty_kelley@erols.com Thu Sep 28 12:00:48 2000 Brigader Have you sent the video tape to Larry Tart yet? If you haven't, do you anticipate sending soon? Betty and I would like to get a copy. Should we approach Larry to find out the status? We'd loke to get a copy so we can show our family and friends what a great job you've done at Chicksands. Cheers - John & Betty
CARL SMITH ZJJB4@CS.COM Wed Sep 27 19:58:46 2000 AT CHICKSANDS FM 1952-1955 - DOES MY NAME RING A BELL. I HAD FRIENDS NAMED DAN GEARY, ANDY ANDERSEN, BOYD OHMDAL. IF YOU REMEMBER ANY OF US PLEASE CONTACT.
Sylvia Anderson david.hughes@lawtons.co.uk Wed Sep 27 04:48:32 2000 Hi veterans - sorry I didn't see any of you at the reunion.Do you remember me- Sylvia dark haired girl from Campton.Girlfriend of saxaphone player Pete from Shefford and helped with the Services club in the early 50's.I am not on the internet so please write to: Sylvia Anderson 20 Bedford Road Wooton Beds MK43 9JT Thanks!
CW Auvil Jr. cw109@juno.com Sun Sep 24 23:35:31 2000 Arrived at RAF Chicksands prior to Sputnik! Two tours (58-60) and (63-67). Spent over 20 yrs w. USAFSS worldwide. Played on Chicks soccer team; worked in commcenter (old and new). Lived in Bedford. Hi to anyone who remembers A2C Auvil )retired as CMSgt, Nov 83.
Bill Rowan b-rowan@home.com Tue Sep 19 23:22:36 2000 Looking for others statioined at RAF Chicksands 73-76 Terry Laver Mark Nelson
Bill Grayson Chicksands@webtv.net Mon Sep 18 12:59:59 2000 CHICKSANDS COMMEMORATIVE WEDGEWOOD PLATE The Chicksands commemorative plate executed in fine china with a gold circle of Priory porch motif by Wedgewood can be ordered now from CA&F for shipment from England. This is a limited, one-time issue of the commemorative plate; when these are gone, there won't be any more! Send check/MO for $47.50 for one plate and $45.00 for a second plate to: CA&F Plate, POB 4053, Crofton MD 21114. Price covers plate, S&H, insurance and $1 contribution to alumni projects. Plates will be shipped IN BULK from England. Watch this guestbook page for status of UK-US shipping; US receipt and distribution. Plate photo will be on the "store" page of CHIXnet, when we get the page up again. Chicksands@webtv.net
Bill Grayson Chicksands@webtv.net Fri Sep 15 16:19:57 2000 On Monday, 18th Sept, we observe POW/MIA Day. Everyone is neither back nor accounted for from operations of the last 50 years. This is why our British hosts are flying the black POW/MIA flag CA&F provided in July for the rededicated memorial at Chicksands.
Valerie Mentecky vmentecky@aol.com Fri Sep 15 03:34:44 2000 I just wanted to thank all of the wonderful people who responded to my inquirey regarding Paul R Abbott Jr. He has been found and arrangements are under way for a re-union between father and child. Thank You.
Brig Chris Holtom cgholtom@aol.com Thu Sep 14 03:37:26 2000 VIDEO AND WEDGWOOD PLATE. The video of the Reunion is made. At present I am having it commercially mastered and then it will go to the US where Larry Tart has agreed to convert it to US formats. Its 23 minutes long and covers nearly all the events. Its well made and it stands as a good record of the reunion and Chicksands in general. Larry will post a message on how to order and the costs, in due course. Please be patient and thanks for your interest. If you want to order the plates contact me direct. I need your mailing address at that time. There are about 200 plates left and there will never be any more! Bill Grayson will post a message here about how to pay and how much in US$. The plates are £28 (including UK VAT). It is my intention to ship them over to the US via C130 to Washington. That will reduce the cost of postage. We hold our first US Museum meeting on the 29th of September. Details of our objectives and plan will appear on this site after that. Best wishes all Chixters. PS the Fighting Chicks logo appears on the video and in the museum for those who may be worried about it!
JACK STANTON JCS@CBMCLAW.COM Thu Sep 7 15:03:08 2000 I TOO WOULD LIKE TO PURCHASE A VIDEO MADE DURING THE REUNION. APPARENTLY THOUGH, SINCE THE REUNION IS OVER, THERE DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE MUCH INTEREST IN RESPONDING TO REQUESTS LIKE THIS OR THE PREVIOUS ONE. I DID HEAR FROM THE BRIGADIER REGARDING THE PLATES BUT I DON'T KNOW HOW TO GO ABOUT ORDERING ONE HERE IN THE STATES. IT WOULD BE NICE TO HEAR FROM ANYONE REGARDING ORDERING VIDEOS, PLATES, OR ANYTHING ELSE WHICH IS AVAILABLE. IF ANYONE OUT THERE KNOWS ANYTHING, PLEASE RESPOND. THANKS AND HOPE TO HEAR FROM SOMEONE SOON.
Fred Davis fldavis56@aol.com Thu Sep 7 00:03:29 2000 Does anyone know if you can purchase a video of the Sands made during the reunion??? Was there in 1959 thru 1962 and would sure like to see what the place looks like now.
Fred Davis fldavis56@aol.com Thu Sep 7 00:03:23 2000 Does anyone know if you can purchase a video of the Sands made during the reunion??? Was there in 1959 thru 1962 and would sure like to see what the place looks like now.
jim gambino jvgnewguy@msn.com Mon Sep 4 21:19:13 2000 just found this site...if anyone remembers me..drop me a line
jim gambino jvgnewguy@msn.com Sun Sep 3 21:03:29 2000 grat to finally find the site..if anyone remembers me pls email
Lewis (LEW) Mashburn tlmash@uswest.net Sat Sep 2 06:16:23 2000 To CHIXNET WebMaster: Do not know how to update e-mail addresses. Mine has changed to the above from tlmash@topsurf.com. Alternate is: Lewis.Mashburn@nw.amedd.army.mil Thanks Lew Mashburn
TIM kittle RED_INFERNO@THEGLOBE.COM Thu Aug 31 16:57:46 2000 I need a list of the open air force bases.thank you.
TIMKITTLE RED_INFERNO@THEGLOBE.COM Thu Aug 31 16:42:54 2000 I mead a list of all open air force bases around the world. thank you.
JONI QUICK jquick@mc.utmck.edu Thu Aug 31 13:02:55 2000 My family was at Chicksands 84-88. I was the manager at the Trift Shop and was in the Enlisted Wives Club. I would love to hear from any of the people we meet while there and would also like to know if Wilma is still well. She helped alot at the thrift shop. She lives there by the base and had been married to an American GI years before. She drove alittle red van and was a very nice lady. We attended Chicksands Baptist Church off base and we also had helped with the teens bowling league. Would love to hear from anyone we knew.
George G. Wheeler TSGT USAF RET. gwheeler@intelos.net Tue Aug 29 20:17:10 2000 I didnt see any pictures of the fighting chick, There was an A1C Snow that designed the fighting chick, we had it on jackets , mugs, brief cases etc. I have some pictures of the Base Fire Dept, taken in 1960,also have some pictures of some of the AFEX employies. There was two civilian Fireman there , one by the name of Jack Twigg from near the RAF station near Shefford and a William Athow from Biggleswade Beds. Would love to have contact with any of them. This was from 1960 to 1963. George G. Wheeler P.O. Box 868 Waynesboro,VA 22980
Valerie Mentecky vmentecky@aol.com Sun Aug 27 20:42:07 2000 I am hoping to locate Paul Richard Abbott, Jnr. He was stationed at Chicksands in mid 1960s. He married a Bedford girl, Eileen Boud and they had a daughter, Karen in 1967. After they divorced they lost contact and his daughter is desperately trying to find him. He was born in Columbus Ohio, but all searches there have resulted in nothing. If you know where he can be reached, please email me so that I can unite Karen with her father. Thank you.
Ambrose Jackson j8260@aol.com Sun Aug 27 16:28:55 2000 I'm sorry, but I forgot to direct that last message to Brig Holtom, for ordering the plate and mug.
Ambrose Jackson jac8260@aol.com Sun Aug 27 16:24:57 2000 First, I want to send my greetings to you and your super staff, in particular, RSM Martham. I must say again what a wonderful time I had at the reunion, and I want to assure you that my wife, Pat, and I enjoyed very much the bottle of John Jameson the I "won". Although my personal preferance is a single malt, Irish whiskey also fills the bill. Now, I wish to order one of the Wedgeworth plates, and also a mug with the Priory motif if you have any of those. Please give me instructions on how to order and pay. My best regards to you and your staff! Ambrose (Jack) jac8260@aol.com
Martin Mullican martin.mullican@hq.transcom.mil Sun Aug 27 15:28:06 2000 Looking for anyone who worked in the SSF up on "The Hill." SSF is the Software Support Facility -- F2527. Thanks, Marty Mullican Chix '89-94 F2527 SSF Deputy Chief
Jim Rice jimrice54@hotmail.com Thu Aug 24 16:19:28 2000 For R Book. I to was interested in knowing the origin of the name Chicksands. I gave up and resigned myself to the fact that no one can give a factual explanation for the naming of the site where Chicksands is located. You will find that the earliest historical reference to Chicksands was in a survey done in 1068. That is nearly 1,000 years ago. Therefore one can only speculate the reasoning of some medieval mind as to how the name came about. I hope that can put your mind at rest... Jim
Chris Holtom cgholtom@aol.com Thu Aug 24 16:15:06 2000 CHICKSANDS WEDGWOOD PLATES. I have the 250 Chicksands Wedgwood Plates here at last. I am hoping to get the US orders to a central point in USA via the RAF. The price is £28 and I am also hoping that you will be able to pay into Bill Grayson's CA&F $ account. I need the mailing address of all those who have ordered a plate. For those who have not ordered, you can do so with me via email. Best wishes Chris Holtom
Craig Hammer citychamp@aol.com Wed Aug 23 21:18:46 2000 Looking for anyone who knew my father, Ken Hammer. He was stationed at Chicksands several times in the 50's and from 1961-1965. I was happy to recognize his photo on the Chicksands soccer team in the Gallery section. I just visited Chicksands last week. It was a beautiful base then, and stll remains that way (although everything looks much so much smaller than when I was 12 years old). If you worked with my Dad, I'd like to hear from you.
ron herron roneherron@aol.com Wed Aug 23 10:45:41 2000 i was stationed at raf chicksands from 1971 - 1974 while working on charlie flight. it was a great place to be stationed during that time frame. my wife and i just returned from a three week vacation in the uk, and got to be involved with the reunion. it was a very memorable experience!!! i want to thank brig. holtom and his staff for a very cordial time. also not to forget the work that bill grayson and the americans on this side of the atlantic did in making it a very special time. thanks, bill, becky, and all the others involved. i feel that the three plus years that i was stationed at chicksands were some of the best years of my life. thanks again to brig. holtom and his staff for making this trip very special!!! ron herron charlie flight 1971-1974
John Kelley john-betty_kelley@erols.com Tue Aug 22 15:52:27 2000 I would like to know the status of the video tape that was to be made by the British photographer from all the videos he took during the reunion. If the editing is complete and the video is made in VHS format, I would like to put my name in to purchase a copy as soon as they come out. I'm sure the publishing of the video will be announced on the Chixnet but my kids who grew up at Chicksands keep asking me when it will be out. Again, I wish to thank Brigader Holtom and his fine staff (officers and enlisted) for making us so welcome in July. I've sent some negatives to the museum and Clive let me know that he had them. Bill Grayson - I have copies of the pictures that we took at Chicksands and I will get you a set as soon as I can get them reproduced. I'll send you whatever negatives I have but you'll have to contact Clive for the rest. John & Betty Kelley
John Ungashick HOF300@aol.com Sun Aug 20 19:54:43 2000 Served at the Sands 71-74. One of the best assignments I ever had. Looking for a few good men, Jimmy Thomas, Randy Oglesbey, and William D. Paul. Either Base Supply or Civil Engineers. (71-74) Also, is there a site for USAFSS worldwide?
R. Book RalAil@cs.com Tue Aug 15 23:27:06 2000 OK Chixters I'm looking for the "final answer". I've had many a sleepless night in the last 32 years (prior) to the reunion. And, I'm not looking forward to 32 more. So, please try to be forthright in your response to the following. I've had responses to this perplexing question "When,Where,Why, Who & how did the name of 'Chicksands' evolve? Some responses were 1) Buy Graysons book; 2) Don't know; 3)D'on't really care; 4) BG Holtom's makes really good sense but sort of anecdotal; and 5) a Chicken lugging a bag of sand until he became tired and rested near Bedford? Any chance of history repeating itself here on the internet? Thanks and look forward to a really peaceful and restful next 32 years. Thanks R. Book Aurora Colo USA
Suzanne Klinefelter (Hughes) beaglefun@yahoo.com Tue Aug 15 17:29:43 2000 My parents were stationed at Chicksands from 73-74. I was in the 5th grade at Chicksands Elementary. Looking for classmates from Mrs. Godfrey's class, or from the base. Also friends of my parents - Sam & Doug Perry.
Harlan Faulk hazelharlanfaulk@aol.com Tue Aug 15 17:04:21 2000 My first posting on the Chixnet. I'm Harlan Faulk, stationed a the Sands in 56-58 and again 60-63. Bothe times assigned to the 75334th USAF Dispensary. Played a little football for the Chicks and worked parttime at the Airmen's club. Would like to hear from anyone who might remember me from those days. I spent 20 years in the AF retireing the end of 74 Now living in Florida, Panama City area. Would like to hear. Thanx. JESUS IS LORD. Cheers, Harlan
Harlan Faulk hazelharlanfaulk@aol.com Tue Aug 15 17:03:53 2000 My first posting on the Chixnet. I'm Harlan Faulk, stationed a the Sands in 56-58 and again 60-63. Bothe times assigned to the 75334th USAF Dispensary. Played a little football for the Chicks and worked parttime at the Airmen's club. Would like to hear from anyone who might remember me from those days. I spent 20 years in the AF retireing the end of 74 Now living in Florida, Panama City area. Would like to hear. Thanx. JESUS IS LORD. Cheers, Harlan
Bill Grayson Chicksands@webtv.net Sat Aug 12 14:31:09 2000 **********AIRPLANE MODELS************ Looking for a modeler to assemble 2 plastic airplane kits and paint them. These are for museum display so need someone who has good skills and time to do a very neat job. All materials supplied. Will pay a $20 assembly fee for each.
Paul W. Appleton PANDYPUSS@AOL.COM Sat Aug 12 13:05:19 2000 Still looking for a friends Bill and Joan Blake. Bill was in supply and managed the girls softball team for several winning years. Anyone knows of them pse give me a call.
Paul W. Appleton PANDYPUSS@AOL.COM Sat Aug 12 13:05:11 2000 Still looking for a friends Bill and Joan Blake. Bill was in supply and managed the girls softball team for several winning years. Anyone knows of them pse give me a call.
Arnie Weeks aweeks@neflin.org Fri Aug 11 13:07:56 2000 To all Baker Flight Boozers that were stationed at Chicksands during the 1970's. Preliminary plans are underway for a reunion in Chicago in a couple of years. Nothing concrete as of this date. Keep checking this message center for details as they become available. Cheers, Arnie "Professor" Weeks 1974-77 Baker Flight
Tom Klein Tom_Anna@hotmail.com Thu Aug 10 13:39:00 2000 I wish I would of known about this site earlier. I was stationed there 79-81 and worked on Dog Flight on the hill. I was a ditty bop. I enjoyed it and remember my years at chicksands vividly. I was also looking for information about the Priory and the nun that was walled up. If anyone has information on that I would appreciate it. Let me know about the next reunion.
Bill Gray JPUTW2@AOL.COM Sun Aug 6 11:21:34 2000 OBITUARY: A number of his friends wish to pass along the sad news that former Chief Master Sergeant Rick Staats, most recently a Lockheed Martin employee was taken to a Lincolnshire Hospital on Thursday evening, 3 August, where he passed away as a result of a massive stroke. Rick had been at MHS since March, 1988 as a contractor. He served at Chicksands in the late 1950s. For those in the UK who wish to pass along condolences, his widow, Mimi can be reached at 01522731394, and those calling from the States need to dial 011-44-1522731394.
Mac McMahon IrishMandC@AOL.COM Sat Aug 5 10:19:48 2000 Would like to hear from anyone who was at the reunion.Just to keep in touch in case something interesting comes up at a later date. Also your thoughts on the museum.
Bill Grayson Chicksands@webtv.net Thu Aug 3 16:20:34 2000 OBITUARY Regret to inform of the death of ex-Chick Chief Master Sergeant Norman T. Parnes, USAF-ret. Norm was Associate Director for Resident Services at the U.S. Soldiers' and Airmen's Home. He died July 26, 2000 of leukemia at his home at the Washington retirement facility. Norm was a native of Baltimore, and had served with distinction in the Air Force for 32 years, retiring in 1990 from the Air Force Personnel Center in San Antonio. He joined the Soldiers' and Airmen's Home staff in 1993. He was senior enlisted adviser to the Directors of the Defense Intelligence Agency, Defense Nuclear Agency and to the Commander of US Forces in Korea. In addition to Norm's service at at RAF Chicksands, he was also stationed at RAF Kirknewton, in Vietnam during the war there, and in Hawaii. Following his USAF retirement, he was deputy executive director and later director of government relations for the Air Force Sergeants Association. Norm was an active member of the National Capital Chapter of the Freedom Through Vigilance Association. CA&F extends heartfelt condolences to Norm's wife of 38 years, Jo Parnes (3700 N. Capitol St, Washington 20317), and to his two children and five grandchildren.
Mike Murray SMSgtMike@aol.com Tue Aug 1 21:27:15 2000 greetings and salutations from Magnolia Delaware. Was made aware of the Chix web through a friend and thought I would try and recognize a few people possible. I was at Chix 68-72,on Charlie Flight with Msn Sup Albert H. Quigg, S&W Denny Haney and Greg Varhall newbie flight commander..all top notch people. Lived in Flitwick ..and played 2nd row forward on Ampthills 1st 15 rugby team. Loved the tour and am now just retiring for the 2nd time a double dipper..and will try to make chix one of my visits..I live very close to Dover AFB, Del and we have daily flights into England. I remember our first tour into Chix..we stayed at a little place called Beadlow Manor..I think Colin Joyner ran it..Chix was my most favorite tour in the 26 years that I spent in the Air Force, 19 years being overseas in different countries. I was an X1.
Victor L. Johnson vicnkathy@plazaearth.com Tue Aug 1 18:32:31 2000 I was looking in the alumni and found my old email address listed. Can I update my email address to vicnkathy@plazaearth.com Thanks Vic
R. Book ralail@cs.com Mon Jul 31 15:46:36 2000 Corrected copy - change those lines to read "He kept insisting that the American's were not being taken care of - And, I insisted we were"..He and his girl friend were lovely people and we enjouyed the evening...
Ralph & Aileen Book ralail@cs.com Mon Jul 31 15:36:00 2000 Greeting again - We just got back after a month in the UK and the reunion. Cudos go out to Brig Holtom (loved his american chevy staff car); RSM Martham and her staff; Becky F; Sharon B; for the tremndous effort that was extended to all of us. Especially to us. Also, to a new friend Armand Champagne (what a neat name). We hadn't been there @ Chix for 32 years. I also want to say thanks to the young navy giuy and the "Abbot" My wife and I stopped in on Wed night and he kept insisting that the Americans were being properly taken care of. I assured him thaty was not the case. But, kept insisting with good English Pints (approx 6) to which I then had to leave my car and walk to our quarter behind the Priory. The dedication was just perfect. We enjoyed ourselves by travelling to Toddington (Oddfellows Arms), Hitchi(Woolpack),Clophill, Henley, Shefford (Dirty Duck), and of course Bedford. We were there a month and I wore out my rental car I put 1600 miles on it and wont go into detail how much petrol I spent but to say it would make a nice downpayment on a car. The trip to "Her Majestys theater" to see Phantom was the highlight for us. And, we certainly did enjoy the breakfast meals at the Jr Mess. We got our moneys worth there. to everyone we spoke to we had a wonderful time. Cheers.....
Larry Tart LarryTart@aol.com Sun Jul 30 19:37:11 2000 I had submitted my reunion 'trip report' earlier on the Bedford homepage, and others have suggested that I post it here since some Chix Alumni do not always visit the Bedford Page. _____________________ Hello Mates: I'm back from jolly ole England; still suffering from jet-lag, but none the worse for wear 'n tear. I sampled the beers--Foster's on tap was my preferred brand--but the old body could not soak up the pints the way my 18-year old body absorbed the warm British suds in 1956. Oh my, how four decades change your priorities!!!! The British Defence Intelligence & Security Centre commanded by Brigadier Chris Holtom now occupies the Chicksands base where Defence Intelligence and Security training schools now operate. Brigadier Holtom and his staff were outstanding hosts to us 'Yank' veterans. The Brigadier (British equivalent of a U.S. brigadier general, I believe) is one of the most personable and dynamic individuals I have ever met. He was literally involved with all aspects of the reunion--the planning for the reunion that began 19 months ago, participation in all the day-to-day reunion activities, and making sure our stay was enjoyable and memorable. His trademark was obvious on every associated detail. The American flag was flying tall from the flag pole nearest the main gate in front of HQs for this special reunion, sharing a place of honor with the British Union Jack. In addition, venues throughout the base (their WO/NCO Club--former U.S. NCO Club--where most reunion events were held, Officers Club in the Chicksands Priory, reunion ops center inside the base theater, etc.) were decorated with Old Glory. Immediately inside the front gate, small welcome, registration and information signs were posted along Chicksands Avenue -- pointing the way to reunion headquarters in the base theater. As an example of Brigadier Holtom's involvement and commitment, I was told that he was seen hammering some of those welcome & registration signs into the lawn along Chicksands Avenue immediately prior to the arrival of guests. One American even indicated that the Brigadier gave him a lift along Sandy Lane to base. In another event, a lawnmower had been used to create a circular maze pattern for children in tall grass within a walled garden adjacent to the Priory--if a child followed the correct maze path, the child could end up at the center of the maze. It seems that Brigadier Holtom showed up at 5:00 a.m. one morning with his lawnmower and personally mowed the maze patterns in the lawn so that children could enjoy having a go at the maze during open house on Saturday. As their commandant, the brigadier set the example for his charges on base & everyone went out of their way to make us American visitors feel welcome and comfortable. One of the most memorable parts of my visit was being able to live in quarters on base--going back to my old Security Service roots, so to speak. I was provided quarters in base military family housing where American families lived five years ago. Not only was this arrangement easy on the wallet (ten British pounds sterling--less than $16.00 per night, including breakfast in the base mess hall), but living on base made the visit convenient and brought back fond memories of when I lived at Chicksands in WW II-era huts with potbellied stoves for heat & centralized outside latrines from 1956-1960. A couple of the old latrine buildings still exist although they are now used for other purposes. Many of the other old base buildings (motor pool Quonset hut inside the gate, old BX/snackbar/service club at the northeast end of the base, old headquarters building, dispensary/dental clinic, armory, mailroom, etc.) also remain in excellent condition and are still used in some capacity, as are several of the old operations "blocks." One of the first buildings that I worked in--"M" Block--now houses the Chicksands Museums of Intelligence. The old comm center "G" Block, "F" Block, "H" Block, and "Dolly" Block from the 1950's also still exist. I thought about Flo, the lady who worked the midnight shift in the Ops area snackbar. The old ops snackbar building is history, and I wonder if Flo is still around. The new dormitories, family housing and operations compound are nice facilities, but I prefer the memories of the good ole days. There were not enough quarters on base for the 200+ former Chixers, and some had to pay as much as 59 pounds per night for motel accommodations near base--paying as much for one night as I paid for six nights on base, plus I had "bangers" (British sausage), pork 'n beans, bacon, eggs, cereal, juices (Tang), coffee, tea, toast, fried bread, et al in the enlisted mess hall included in my room price. This mess hall--a modern building in the same location where our old dining hall existed 40 years ago--brought on a case of nostalgia. Today's food seemed to be better than I'd remembered our American chow when C rations were often a staple at one of our daily meals. And, I got a great chuckle out of a sign posted on the mess hall door--the sign read, "NO SMOKING OUTSIDE THIS BUILDING." Talk about limiting locations where smoking is or is not permitted; I loved it!!!! Smoking was also prohibited in the clubs, local restaurants and pubs, a drastic change from the days of yore. Any of you who have spent time in England have probably feasted on banger 'n bean breakfasts; I have long since forgotten the name of the all-night truck stop--only local restaurant open after midnight--where we used to feast on eggs, bangers 'n beans after the pubs closed. During the reunion, getting to Chicksands was half the fun. Deciding rather late that I would attend the reunion, I contacted Brigadier Holtom via email & he assured me that quarters were available on base & that my arrival late at night would pose no problem. He responded that he had passed my request and notice of late arrival to 'our Accommodations Cell' that is on duty 24 hours per day. Arriving at Heathrow Airport after 10:00 p.m. (an hour late of course), I fumbled my way in the dark in a rental car from London to Chicksands. I perused a map carefully, and even after 40 years, actually found my way to base without getting lost. The guards at the gate checked my passport & welcomed me after midnight with open arms. They roused Pvt Atwood, a 21-ish, blue-eyed, ponytailed blonde receptionist, out of bed, and she escorted me to my quarters--insisting on lugging my heavy suitcase up the stairs to the quarters. Kinda embarrassing--having a slender British lady private dragging my bag around, but she was the proper hostess and insisted. My late-night welcome was unforgettable, as were the days that followed. I did not participate but on Tuesday, golf was available all day for the golfers, plus a BBQ at lunch in the WO/NCO Club. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights respectively, we enjoyed at the WO/NCO Club a concert of mainly big-band music by an outstanding young Bedford band, a dinner-dance and a barndance, each accompanied by a wonderfully prepared buffet dinner. The highlight of the planned events was the wreath-laying and Re-Dedication of the Chicksands Memorial Wall honoring Cold War MIAs and KIAs. The ceremony included a military parade with a smartly dressed British military marching band, British Army, Royal Navy and RAF marching troops and a USAF honor guard. Thursday was highlighted by the grand opening of the American Room in the Chicksands Museums of Defence Intelligence. By removing some historical British Intelligence memorabilia from display in the museum until additional space becomes available, Brigadier Holtom honored the U.S. Air Force's 45 years at Chicksands with a series of displays and period-specific photographs of USAFSS activities at Chicksands from 1950 to 1995. The U.S. museum displays include: a scale model of the FLR-9 system (donated by Dick Stranathan and 25 other early Chix USAFSS alumni) and a typical late 1950's vintage intercept position complete with authentic SP-600 and R-390 receivers and an appropriately dressed USAFSS Morse intercept operator mannequin with a "202" analyst looking over his shoulder, plus photographs of Chicksands Fighting Chicks sports teams, USAFSS airmen involved in various activities and early base facilities--all contributed by former Chix alumni. The deputy director of the NSA, Ms. Barbara McNamara, cut the ribbon at the grand opening of the American Room in the museum, and Edsel Wiggins--first U.S. officer to arrive at Chicksands in 1950--attended the opening ceremony. Surprisingly, the 1950 era is best represented by photographs, followed by smaller numbers of photos from the later decades. Likewise, attendance at the reunion followed a similar pattern; the largest contingent had served at Chicksands in the 1950's, while very few alumni from the 1980's and 1990's attended. After the opening ceremony and tour of the museum, I had a very good lunch at the Greyhound Pub in Haynes with Will & Pam Addington, Roger & Mary Sprague and Al (Bill) Gray--all of us had served together at the 'Sands in the late 1950's. I also enjoyed discussions with Chico Moya, Bill McKaig, and a number of others I had served with at the "Sands four decades ago. Later on Friday night, a group of us had dinner at the Green Man Pub outside Shefford, an outstanding meal and a great night of reminiscing. I'm sure many Chicksands alumni have frequented these fine pubs. I did not get an opportunity to visit the Black Swan Pub in Shefford--we referred to it as the "Dirty Duck" in our day--but it still exists and looked very nice from the outside. I also made side-trips to Bedford and Hitchin, but had little time to check them out. On Friday, I toured the Duxford Air Museum with a group of former USAFSS Chix alumni. "Tim", our bus driver and himself a retired USAF NCO, had been one of the last Americans to serve at Chicksands in 1995--now only two American military officers serve with Brigadier Holtom's staff at Chicksands. Other visiting alumni participated in a tour of Bletchley Park (WW II British Intelligence Operations Centre) and visited the Cambridge Military Cemetery where many of America's WW II European air war casualties are buried. My biggest regret during the reunion was that time did not permit me to take in those events although I had visited the Cambridge cemetery 42 years ago. There were also demonstrations of medieval martial arts: archery, dueling, musket & cannon firings, et al., and guided tours of the Chicksands Priory--a former religious monastery that began in the12th century. The Priory presently houses some officers quarters and the British O 'club. Quite impressive. In addition, a base open-house on Saturday permitted local British civilians, the British military and us returning Yanks to mingle and enjoy a day of camaraderie—arts & crafts sales, carnival games, rides for the kids, a food mall serving delicious sandwiches, hamburgers and hot-dogs, a display of WW II era US and British military vehicles & individuals dressed in WW II U.S. and British military uniforms, and pints of beer for the adults at the local on-base sports club. I ended my week at Chicksands with a wonderful visit with Mary and Glen Broyles in Shefford on Saturday afternoon and evening. Although Glen had not served at Chicksands, he had met and married 17-year-old Mary from Baldock in 1952. After his discharge in 1953 and more than three decades working for the Air Force as a civilian, he and Mary now live in Shefford where Mary operates the "Lines Villas" B&B. Will & Pam Addington stayed in Mary's B&B during their current visit to England for the reunion. Ironically, 21-year-old Larry Tart dated Mary's younger sister, Maureen, during the summer of 1959. Forty-one years later, Larry and Maureen--together with Maureen's 31-year old son, daughter-in-law and two grandchildren--enjoyed an afternoon and evening of reminiscing with the Broyles' and Addington's. Looking at photos of Larry and Maureen taken in the late 1950's, everyone agreed that they had changed very little in the past four decades--yeah, right!!! Heathrow Airport was even easier to find during daylight on Sunday for my return to the good ole USA. I am especially thankful to Brigadier Holtom and his great staff in the UK and to Bill Grayson and the U.S. coordinators whose extraordinary efforts brought the reunion to fruition. The Chicksands Millennium Reunion was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with memories that I will cherish forever. Larry Tart (Chicksands Alum/1956-1960)
Larry Tart LarryTart@aol.com Sun Jul 30 19:32:30 2000 I had submitted my reunion 'trip report' earlier on the Bedford homepage, and others have suggested that I post it here since some Chix Alumni do not always visit the Bedford Page. _____________________ Hello Mates: I'm back from jolly ole England; still suffering from jet-lag, but none the worse for wear 'n tear. I sampled the beers--Foster's on tap was my preferred brand--but the old body could not soak up the pints the way my 18-year old body absorbed the warm British suds in 1956. Oh my, how four decades change your priorities!!!! The British Defence Intelligence & Security Centre commanded by Brigadier Chris Holtom now occupies the Chicksands base where Defence Intelligence and Security training schools now operate. Brigadier Holtom and his staff were outstanding hosts to us 'Yank' veterans. The Brigadier (British equivalent of a U.S. brigadier general, I believe) is one of the most personable and dynamic individuals I have ever met. He was literally involved with all aspects of the reunion--the planning for the reunion that began 19 months ago, participation in all the day-to-day reunion activities, and making sure our stay was enjoyable and memorable. His trademark was obvious on every associated detail. The American flag was flying tall from the flag pole nearest the main gate in front of HQs for this special reunion, sharing a place of honor with the British Union Jack. In addition, venues throughout the base (their WO/NCO Club--former U.S. NCO Club--where most reunion events were held, Officers Club in the Chicksands Priory, reunion ops center inside the base theater, etc.) were decorated with Old Glory. Immediately inside the front gate, small welcome, registration and information signs were posted along Chicksands Avenue -- pointing the way to reunion headquarters in the base theater. As an example of Brigadier Holtom's involvement and commitment, I was told that he was seen hammering some of those welcome & registration signs into the lawn along Chicksands Avenue immediately prior to the arrival of guests. One American even indicated that the Brigadier gave him a lift along Sandy Lane to base. In another event, a lawnmower had been used to create a circular maze pattern for children in tall grass within a walled garden adjacent to the Priory--if a child followed the correct maze path, the child could end up at the center of the maze. It seems that Brigadier Holtom showed up at 5:00 a.m. one morning with his lawnmower and personally mowed the maze patterns in the lawn so that children could enjoy having a go at the maze during open house on Saturday. As their commandant, the brigadier set the example for his charges on base & everyone went out of their way to make us American visitors feel welcome and comfortable. One of the most memorable parts of my visit was being able to live in quarters on base--going back to my old Security Service roots, so to speak. I was provided quarters in base military family housing where American families lived five years ago. Not only was this arrangement easy on the wallet (ten British pounds sterling--less than $16.00 per night, including breakfast in the base mess hall), but living on base made the visit convenient and brought back fond memories of when I lived at Chicksands in WW II-era huts with potbellied stoves for heat & centralized outside latrines from 1956-1960. A couple of the old latrine buildings still exist although they are now used for other purposes. Many of the other old base buildings (motor pool Quonset hut inside the gate, old BX/snackbar/service club at the northeast end of the base, old headquarters building, dispensary/dental clinic, armory, mailroom, etc.) also remain in excellent condition and are still used in some capacity, as are several of the old operations "blocks." One of the first buildings that I worked in--"M" Block--now houses the Chicksands Museums of Intelligence. The old comm center "G" Block, "F" Block, "H" Block, and "Dolly" Block from the 1950's also still exist. I thought about Flo, the lady who worked the midnight shift in the Ops area snackbar. The old ops snackbar building is history, and I wonder if Flo is still around. The new dormitories, family housing and operations compound are nice facilities, but I prefer the memories of the good ole days. There were not enough quarters on base for the 200+ former Chixers, and some had to pay as much as 59 pounds per night for motel accommodations near base--paying as much for one night as I paid for six nights on base, plus I had "bangers" (British sausage), pork 'n beans, bacon, eggs, cereal, juices (Tang), coffee, tea, toast, fried bread, et al in the enlisted mess hall included in my room price. This mess hall--a modern building in the same location where our old dining hall existed 40 years ago--brought on a case of nostalgia. Today's food seemed to be better than I'd remembered our American chow when C rations were often a staple at one of our daily meals. And, I got a great chuckle out of a sign posted on the mess hall door--the sign read, "NO SMOKING OUTSIDE THIS BUILDING." Talk about limiting locations where smoking is or is not permitted; I loved it!!!! Smoking was also prohibited in the clubs, local restaurants and pubs, a drastic change from the days of yore. Any of you who have spent time in England have probably feasted on banger 'n bean breakfasts; I have long since forgotten the name of the all-night truck stop--only local restaurant open after midnight--where we used to feast on eggs, bangers 'n beans after the pubs closed. During the reunion, getting to Chicksands was half the fun. Deciding rather late that I would attend the reunion, I contacted Brigadier Holtom via email & he assured me that quarters were available on base & that my arrival late at night would pose no problem. He responded that he had passed my request and notice of late arrival to 'our Accommodations Cell' that is on duty 24 hours per day. Arriving at Heathrow Airport after 10:00 p.m. (an hour late of course), I fumbled my way in the dark in a rental car from London to Chicksands. I perused a map carefully, and even after 40 years, actually found my way to base without getting lost. The guards at the gate checked my passport & welcomed me after midnight with open arms. They roused Pvt Atwood, a 21-ish, blue-eyed, ponytailed blonde receptionist, out of bed, and she escorted me to my quarters--insisting on lugging my heavy suitcase up the stairs to the quarters. Kinda embarrassing--having a slender British lady private dragging my bag around, but she was the proper hostess and insisted. My late-night welcome was unforgettable, as were the days that followed. I did not participate but on Tuesday, golf was available all day for the golfers, plus a BBQ at lunch in the WO/NCO Club. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights respectively, we enjoyed at the WO/NCO Club a concert of mainly big-band music by an outstanding young Bedford band, a dinner-dance and a barndance, each accompanied by a wonderfully prepared buffet dinner. The highlight of the planned events was the wreath-laying and Re-Dedication of the Chicksands Memorial Wall honoring Cold War MIAs and KIAs. The ceremony included a military parade with a smartly dressed British military marching band, British Army, Royal Navy and RAF marching troops and a USAF honor guard. Thursday was highlighted by the grand opening of the American Room in the Chicksands Museums of Defence Intelligence. By removing some historical British Intelligence memorabilia from display in the museum until additional space becomes available, Brigadier Holtom honored the U.S. Air Force's 45 years at Chicksands with a series of displays and period-specific photographs of USAFSS activities at Chicksands from 1950 to 1995. The U.S. museum displays include: a scale model of the FLR-9 system (donated by Dick Stranathan and 25 other early Chix USAFSS alumni) and a typical late 1950's vintage intercept position complete with authentic SP-600 and R-390 receivers and an appropriately dressed USAFSS Morse intercept operator mannequin with a "202" analyst looking over his shoulder, plus photographs of Chicksands Fighting Chicks sports teams, USAFSS airmen involved in various activities and early base facilities--all contributed by former Chix alumni. The deputy director of the NSA, Ms. Barbara McNamara, cut the ribbon at the grand opening of the American Room in the museum, and Edsel Wiggins--first U.S. officer to arrive at Chicksands in 1950--attended the opening ceremony. Surprisingly, the 1950 era is best represented by photographs, followed by smaller numbers of photos from the later decades. Likewise, attendance at the reunion followed a similar pattern; the largest contingent had served at Chicksands in the 1950's, while very few alumni from the 1980's and 1990's attended. After the opening ceremony and tour of the museum, I had a very good lunch at the Greyhound Pub in Haynes with Will & Pam Addington, Roger & Mary Sprague and Al (Bill) Gray--all of us had served together at the 'Sands in the late 1950's. I also enjoyed discussions with Chico Moya, Bill McKaig, and a number of others I had served with at the "Sands four decades ago. Later on Friday night, a group of us had dinner at the Green Man Pub outside Shefford, an outstanding meal and a great night of reminiscing. I'm sure many Chicksands alumni have frequented these fine pubs. I did not get an opportunity to visit the Black Swan Pub in Shefford--we referred to it as the "Dirty Duck" in our day--but it still exists and looked very nice from the outside. I also made side-trips to Bedford and Hitchin, but had little time to check them out. On Friday, I toured the Duxford Air Museum with a group of former USAFSS Chix alumni. "Tim", our bus driver and himself a retired USAF NCO, had been one of the last Americans to serve at Chicksands in 1995--now only two American military officers serve with Brigadier Holtom's staff at Chicksands. Other visiting alumni participated in a tour of Bletchley Park (WW II British Intelligence Operations Centre) and visited the Cambridge Military Cemetery where many of America's WW II European air war casualties are buried. My biggest regret during the reunion was that time did not permit me to take in those events although I had visited the Cambridge cemetery 42 years ago. There were also demonstrations of medieval martial arts: archery, dueling, musket & cannon firings, et al., and guided tours of the Chicksands Priory--a former religious monastery that began in the12th century. The Priory presently houses some officers quarters and the British O 'club. Quite impressive. In addition, a base open-house on Saturday permitted local British civilians, the British military and us returning Yanks to mingle and enjoy a day of camaraderie—arts & crafts sales, carnival games, rides for the kids, a food mall serving delicious sandwiches, hamburgers and hot-dogs, a display of WW II era US and British military vehicles & individuals dressed in WW II U.S. and British military uniforms, and pints of beer for the adults at the local on-base sports club. I ended my week at Chicksands with a wonderful visit with Mary and Glen Broyles in Shefford on Saturday afternoon and evening. Although Glen had not served at Chicksands, he had met and married 17-year-old Mary from Baldock in 1952. After his discharge in 1953 and more than three decades working for the Air Force as a civilian, he and Mary now live in Shefford where Mary operates the "Lines Villas" B&B. Will & Pam Addington stayed in Mary's B&B during their current visit to England for the reunion. Ironically, 21-year-old Larry Tart dated Mary's younger sister, Maureen, during the summer of 1959. Forty-one years later, Larry and Maureen--together with Maureen's 31-year old son, daughter-in-law and two grandchildren--enjoyed an afternoon and evening of reminiscing with the Broyles' and Addington's. Looking at photos of Larry and Maureen taken in the late 1950's, everyone agreed that they had changed very little in the past four decades--yeah, right!!! Heathrow Airport was even easier to find during daylight on Sunday for my return to the good ole USA. I am especially thankful to Brigadier Holtom and his great staff in the UK and to Bill Grayson and the U.S. coordinators whose extraordinary efforts brought the reunion to fruition. The Chicksands Millennium Reunion was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with memories that I will cherish forever. Larry Tart (Chicksands Alum/1956-1960)
Vince Wuwert VAWUWERT@AOL.COM Sun Jul 30 12:51:14 2000 Dear Y2K reunion attendees, The Brig Holtom is entitled to a personal note from all of you who attended. I think a personal note for his Military Memorabalia portfolio would warm his heart in future years. Please send a snail mail note to him, and you may address it to Brig Chris Holtom, DISC HQ, Chicksands, Shefford, Bedfordshire , SG 1`7 5PR England Please do so ASAP. I know he has been flooded with all of your wonderful E-mails, but E-mails have a tendency to get lost in "cyber space" where as a paper letter via snail mail can be filed for future hands on reading. Give it your best folks, and remember Chris Holtom was not only a servant to us all, he was leader to those in Intelligence Corps who not only did their daily duty but volunteered to make our time on the base memorable. Now lets get cracking Yanks. Let's not allow this duty to be "chucked into a bin" and forgotten. Send him a note today. I am sure he will be honored to hear from each and everyone of us. All the best to you all, Vince Wuwert Chicksands 66-68
John& Betty Kelley john-betty.kelley@erols.com Fri Jul 28 11:36:46 2000 Betty and I would like to send our thanks to all who participated in the Chicksands reunion, especially Brigadier Chris Holtom, Mrs. Holtom, his staff, Capt. Clive Sanders & Cpl Joanne Ghaut at the museum, Maisie Martham (RSM) and her staff at the reception center, and all the other persons, military and civilian, who made our visit to Chicksands such a memorable time. We could not ask for nicer, friendlier, or helpful people. I'm sure that everyone of us, Yanks, returned to the U.S. with nothing but good things to say about the reunion. We just want to say thanks again to all of you. We'll remember you all for the rest of our days. Betty & John
Paul Appleton pandypuss@aol.com Thu Jul 27 18:20:20 2000 Had a nice surprise the other day when Larry Vrbka, (motor pool), contacted me. He was contacted by Earl Leeper, (armory), who was contacted by Earl Richardson, (X2) and I contacted Dick Daly, (X2). We all lived in the same Q hut behind the old snack bar and PX during 53-57. If anyone remembers any of us, give me a call. Hap Appleton
Pam and Addy wladdin@aol.com Wed Jul 26 13:45:52 2000 Pam and I echo all that has been said about the Chicksands reunion--it was absolutely fantastic. Special thanks to Brig Holtom and his crew for allowing us to relive our memories and thanks to all the attendees for coming and sharing old war stories. We had a great time and shall never forget that week in our lives. I need to apologize to the Regimental Sergeant Major for thinking she was a recruit. Maizie, I think it was your "youthful appearance." Thank you also for your hard work. To all who were not able to make the reunion we wish you could have been there. The fellowship was outstanding, the beer great, and England is as beautiful as ever.
Poul Carstensen pcarsten@nycap.rr.com Wed Jul 26 09:13:14 2000 Just thought I would say hello to all that were at the Chicks 1980-1981. I know it was a short time for me, all things considered, but it was the best time of my AF career. I started on Able flight, then worked at the gym. I was involved with the Chicks Players, was a "brother" to Jim Gambino. He an I have stayed in touch. I hope someday to venture to a Chicks reunion.
Poul Carstensen pcarsten@nycap.rr.com Wed Jul 26 08:59:29 2000 I am looking for any lapel sized pins with Electronic Security Command insignia. I am a member of our local American Legion, and there seem to be too many Army guys represented! Thanks
Roger & Sandy Harkins rsharkin@mtaonline.net Tue Jul 25 17:56:20 2000 We have just returned home from 3 weeks in England. The Chicks reunion was in the middle of this stay. We want to thank the Brigider for all that he did to make us feel like we were back home again. We talked to many of the personnel assigned to the base and not once did we feel unwelcome. There were many things that we enjoyed but the feeling that we were welcome and part of the festivities was the greatest. Thank you again Brigider and please pass on to all of your prsonnel A JOB WELL DONE. Roger and Sandy Harkins
Dale J. Boersma jeboersma@att.com Tue Jul 25 10:50:54 2000 What happened to the store?
Stan Tomczak N2iae@cs.com Sun Jul 23 20:00:17 2000 Just ran across the site. sorry i didn't see it earlier. great to seethe pcitures of the "sands" ther 1964-67 as an X2 on Charlie flight. Remember Mike Orr, Pete Bacon, Gordon Mikesh and Dale Ackerman from Able trick, believe he was from Olean NY. Look forwrd to hearing from alumni especially on C flite X2 section.
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Phil Parker taug1@aol.com Sat Jul 22 17:25:42 2000 Many thanks to all who worked so hard to make this reunion a wonderful success. It was great. Phil and Jill Parker
Donnie "Rabbit" Haire rabbit@hutch3.freeserve.co.uk Fri Jul 21 14:56:27 2000 Great reunion, look forward to the next one. It was nice to see some of the folks I was stationed with as a member of the USAF and as a civilian with DOD. The very best to you guys scattered all over the states, keep in touch. Looking for anyone who might remember a fellow by the name of Don Jones who was stationed at Chix 58/61, may have worked at the clinic. Gotta go, catch the sunshine while it's out over jolly old England. Donnie and Diane
Bill Grayson WGrayson@webtv.net Fri Jul 21 11:53:19 2000 Reunion attendees: Please share pictures you took at various Reunion activities. ASAP we need a good visual record to place in the Chixnet website "Gallery" and to show our various corporate and individual sponsors what their contributions supported. NEGATIVES ARE ESPECIALLY APPRECIATED. Please send prints and negatives and affix stickies to anything you'd like returned to CA&F, POB 4053, Crofton MD 21114. You will be credited as photographer and postage refunded. Also want to piece together videos taken with individual camcorders and transcribe remarks delivered at POW/MIA Memorial ceremony and Museum opening. ASAP, please send US VHS format only. If you can, make a copy we can work with over several weeks. Copy costs reimbursed. Affix stickies to cassettes you'd like returned and mail to CA&F, POB 4053, Crofton MD 21114. You will be credited as videographer and postage refunded. Thanx, Bill Grayson
Fred Davis fdavis@wf.net Thu Jul 20 17:09:40 2000 THIS NOTE DIRECTED TO ANYONE THAT ATTENDED THE RECENT REUNION. I was stationed at the Sands from 1959-1962. My wife and I were back to visit her family in the mid 80's. The last time we were there the base was closed to visitors due to security reasons. I was unable to attend the reunion due to health problems. I would very much like to see what the Sands still looks like. If any of you video taped the base I would be very willing to pay for a tape (VHS) and posting charges for a copy. We would really have liked to attend. I noticed the photos in the gallery and noticed that I was in two of them --I played on the base soccer team for three years. Thanking you in advance. Fred Davis Wichita Falls, Texas
Diana (Mossey) Sanchez bdsanchez@hotmail.com Thu Jul 20 16:32:09 2000 Hello, I am trying to organize an 80's Chicksands Reunion. If you are interested, please sign up at www.geocities.com/chicksands1/index.html Anyone wishing to help or submit ideas, please email me. Cheers, Diane
Bill Grayson WGrayson@webtv.net Thu Jul 20 16:04:04 2000 Reunion attendees: Please share pictures you took at various Reunion activities. ASAP we need a good visual record to place in the Chixnet website "Gallery" and to show our various corporate and individual sponsors what their contributions supported. NEGATIVES ARE ESPECIALLY APPRECIATED. Please send prints and negatives and affix stickies to anything you'd like returned. You will be credited as photographer and postage refunded. Also want to piece together videos taken with individual camcorders and transcribe remarks delivered at POW/MIA Memorial ceremony and Museum opening. ASAP, please send US VHS format only. If you can, make a copy we can work with over several weeks. Copy costs will be reimbursed. Affix stickies to cassettes you'd like returned. You will be credited as videographer and postage refunded. Thanx, Bill Grayson
JACK STANTON JCS@CBMCLAW.COM Thu Jul 20 15:59:08 2000 ANYONE, PLEASE ADVISE HOW I MAY GO ABOUT PURCHASING CHICKSANDS MEMENTOS FROM THE CA&F STORE SITE. ALSO I WOULD LIKE TO VOLUNTEER MY TIME FOR ANY UPCOMING PROJECTS WHICH MAY BE IN THE WORKS. THANKS.
Ambrose Jackson jac8260@aol.com Thu Jul 20 14:13:50 2000 I wish to thank Brigadeer Holtom and his entire staff for the wonderful reception they gave us Yanks during the reunion.I also wish to thank all the ex-Chixers who participated in coordinating various elements of the reunion to make the whole thing possible, Bill Grayson, Zan Taylor (this web site is remarkable!), Becky Fahey, and others. The programs of the reunion itself went off like clockwork, and the whole experience was unforgetable. Chicksands had changed completely since I last saw it in July, 1959, and I was thoroughly dis-oriented for the first two days there. The only thing I recognized was the Priory. I had been many years since I had last seen the inside of the Priory, and it was a real thrill to see it again. The ceremony of the rededication of the Chicksands memorial was splendid, and it gave me a great feeling of pride. Ed Wiggins and I really enjoyed the pageant, and we both had a great time talking with the persons in charge of the individual events. The opening of the museum was very impressive, and I am very glad that I had the opportunity to meed Clive Sanders and the others of the museum staff. I wish you all every success further developing the museum and carrying out your future plans. Again, I want the thank Brigadeer Chris Holtom and all his military staff for giving us such a gracious and friendly welcome. I will long remember my short re-visit to Chicksands! I have never met anyone who didn't want to go back! With best regards and wishing all every success in the future. Ambrose (Jack)
Bill Grayson WGrayson@webtv.net Thu Jul 20 12:40:18 2000 TRIP REPORT - REUNION AT CHICKSANDS At the moment, it's still a colourful blur of flags, uniforms, smiling faces, ceremonies and fun gatherings; a solidly-packed week of memorable events not to have been missed. I'm personally grateful for having had the opportunity to participate and to have seen firsthand the positive response of the Chicks who attended. As ever, the base is beautiful, the Priory resplendent, its walled gardens wonderful, the museum exhibits reassuring. The grandeur of the ceremony for rededicating the memorial and belltower was truly awesome (adult use of the word) and an inspiring surprise. The museum ribbon-cutting speakers and ceremony a sobering reflection and summing-up of what the past decades meant from both micro and macro perspectives. It is an especially-welcome privilege to have met and established friendly working relationships with so many dedicated current Chicks and to have watched the easy, natural bonding among the young and not-so-young, the Brits and Yanks, all connected by something we hold in common. Some of those reading this will have attended this super reunion. Many registered but had to change their plans. Others provided support by making a purchase from the Chixnet 'Store' or by sending a money donation. Still others have sent treasured souvenirs of their Chix tours for the museum. It should be a source of good feeling for everyone to know that US and POW/MIA flags are flying at the memorial by the river, that the 'Friendship Commemorative Fountain' we donated is bubbling away in the walled garden, and that a long stream of museum visitors will be helped to understand what our 45 years of living and working at Chicksands was all about. Bill Sincerely heartfelt thanks to Brigadier Chris Holtom and his staff, to the CA&F coordinators for keeping the ball rolling and on track, and to all who helped in so many ways large and small. The Reunion was a huge success made possible by a great bunch of Alumni and Friends.
Bill Gray JPUTW2@aol.com Wed Jul 19 20:15:48 2000 On behalf of many of the Class of the 1950s, I'd like to commend Brigadier Chris Holtom and his supporting officers, and his outstanding Regimental Sergeant Major and her NCOs and other staff for their collective outstanding kindness in hosting the Y2K Chicksands Reunion! Hospitality in the UK has traditionally been supreme, but all of you special people made this an outstanding event, one which will be remembered by all of your guests for many years in the future. Our hats off to you!! And thank you for a very special week in your back yard! We'll find it difficult to surpass the kindnesses and helpfulness you showed to us.
George Larson gplarson@mindspring.com Tue Jul 18 17:11:32 2000 Just returned from the reunion. It was fantastic! Many thanks to Brigadier Holtom, Bill grayson, Becky Fahey, and Brigadier Holtom's entire staff for making the reunion so fantastic. I hope this sort of thing can be done again. George Larson, SMSgt, (RET)
Clive Sanders whcsanders@hotmail.com Mon Jul 17 13:29:01 2000 Mac Mahon is trying to contact me from his relative's home in Bedford. Unfortunately the telephone number he left - 01234 34438 - is corrupt. Does anyone have the correct version of this telephone number? Thanks, Clive
pete worby peterworby@ntlworld.com Sat Jul 15 13:01:46 2000 seeking Colonel Richard A Wilson from Oklahoma,based at chicksands in the 70,s. I am a member of the 8th airforce historical society and purchased a w.w.2 officers cap for my small w.w.2 usaaf museum,it has lt wilson in the peak,also I got some paperwork with it,I live in Luton,5mls from the base and wondered if Col Wilson is still alive and where I can contact him,any hepl please.
Vince Wuwert VAWUWERT@AOL.COM Sat Jul 15 13:00:18 2000 By the way..will I be able to order items from the reunion store on line again? I saw a couple of things at the reunion table in the theater I would love to order now that I am home. Will it be available again? thanks..
VINCE WUWERT VAWUWERT@AOL.COM Sat Jul 15 12:44:05 2000 I was absolutely enthralled at being at Chicksands again. Some things have changed a small bit but it is in excellent condition. I had a nice stroll around the entire base and even got into my old barracks B dorm. It is still hard for me to comprehend being back there again after 32 years. The trip was very worthwhile. I want to publically thank Brig Holtom for his lovely luncheon in the Priory on Thursday afternoon and for the special honor he bestowed upon myself and others who received their Cold War Certificates. I was humbled and honored. I also want to thank Bill Grayson for his recognizing many of us who did a few things behind the scenes for the Museum and the reunion. And I want to advise Bill that should he plan another one of these reunions in a few years at Chicksands, I would love to be involved in a small way. I also want to thank everyperson who came to the dedication of the Americans at Chicksands Museum dedication on Thursday. There was an immense amount of last minute details to contend with before its opening, and once again Clive Sanders the British side museum coordinator showed that the difficult can be over come quickly, but the absolutely impossible takes a bit longer. I hope those who go into that museum in the future will be reminded that the men and women who served from 1950-95 did extraordinary things in an ordinary manner and they did so with the highest sense American Forces tradition..those being Duty, Honor and Country. My life will not be the same as I return to my home in the states. To all whom I met during this past week, both veterans and British forces, including Cpl Jo of the RAF who helped Clive Sanders in the museum, you have made it a very special time for me.My lodgings with the Sanders family in Shefford was absolutely smashing . British hospitality is second to none as far as I am concerned. God Bless America and all who ever served at that lovely place named Chicksands.
Brig Chris Holtom cgholtom@aol.com Sat Jul 15 03:43:15 2000 REUNION PHOTOGRAPHS. There are some pictures at www.sheffordtown.co.uk/chicksands/index.htm
Jon Harrison jayharis@zoomnet.net Thu Jul 13 14:59:18 2000 Hope your all having a great time at the Y2K reunion. Sorry I couldn't make it myself. I was on Charlie Flt. 6950th ESG from 82-84. Hi Charlie Ballew, hope you are enjoying yourself there, but not too much :) Take care everyone.
Jan Davidson jan@jdhome.force9.co.uk Wed Jul 12 17:30:37 2000 Would like to say what a wonderful day it has been at Chicksands today. My dad (Fred Davidson) and my family all attended the parade and re-dedication ceremony. It was so very well done and very moving. Many old friends for dad to talk with today and also some I recognised! The vets photograph was a jolly affair. We have all had a lovely day. Many thanks to all those who put this great event together. It is a truly heart warming affair. Well done to all.
Brig Chris Holtom cgholto@aol.com Wed Jul 12 12:40:14 2000 REUNION UPDATE. The weather has turned out fine and reasonably warm today. The parade and re-dedication went well and the impression I have from the veterans is that they feel we did them proud. I hope so - that was our intent. Some nice words by the Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy here - Mr Glyn Davies - were directly provided by Sam Braswell which was a pleasant surprise! Afterwards we had a mass photograph which took forever to arrange, but the Vets behaved themselves! Since then we have been enjoying medieval displays around the Priory and in an hour we go to the Beating of Retreat and then the Dinner/Dance. In short, things are going well. Museum opening tomorrow and it looks terrific. Director GCHQ was very impressed. Best wishes to you all - this thing is made a lot of fun by the attitude and interest of the veterans. Chris Holtom
Rebecca Fahey rgfahey@aol.com Wed Jul 12 03:48:11 2000 Good Morning from the reunion site!! The sun is bright and the events scheduled for today should be very inspiring. There are nearly 500 attendees present for the reunion. Our reception here has been warm and welcoming. The Brigadier and his staff could not have been more accomodating and organized. Thanks to Chris, Bill and Zan efforts which made this reunion happen. The attendees are well pleased with the wonderful reunion. We are renewing old friendships and making new ones. Wish you were all here. Becky Fahey
mark wendruff marktheshark71@hotmail.com Tue Jul 11 16:41:51 2000 A hearty welcome to all of you who are coming over for the Y2K reunion. I will be at the Defense Intelligence Museum on Thursday, hoping to recognise a few faces, or what's left of them!, from 68-71 Dog Flight. I'll be the gray, slightly plumper version of my old self at the entrance. Have a good flight over and enjoy the week. C U Soon!
Deb Spangler AbracaDeborah1@aol.com Sun Jul 9 23:41:55 2000 Trying to find out if my parents made it to the reunion. Have not heard from them. Don & Julia Spangler Please tell them to email me Thanks
Steven Bond Stvnbo007@cs.com Sat Jul 8 20:58:16 2000 Anyone there who knows my dad,T/SGT Milt Bond or me give me a call! We were there from 62-65 and I went to school at RAF Molesworth and was in Troop 291 BSA.
Steven Bond Stvnbo007@cs.com Sat Jul 8 20:54:17 2000 My dad was there 62-65. I went to school at RAF Molesworth and was in the Scout Troop 291 at Chicksands. Anyone there who knows me or T/SGT Milt Bond give me a call!
Dale Boersma jeboersma@home.com Fri Jul 7 11:27:08 2000 Just finished reading most of the letters from former Chicksands Associates and it sure brought back memories,. some good some not to be remembered. Stevie B sure brought back memories also Capt Cleary . Would like to thank him for removing my name from the promotions roster in June of 62. Gave me another great chapter to my life. I was a 202 in OED for Capt Erlinger. Could not make the reunion but won't forgot the memories. Thanks Chicksands and all the guys and "birds"
Phillip Mitchell pmitchs@aol.com Thu Jul 6 21:33:43 2000 I was stationed at chicksands from June 1958 to March 1962. I married a Bedford girl and have been back several times to visit Bedford. I just got back this past Feb. 2000 and visited the old base which is now RAF. After reading all the letters from the old alumni, I wish I was coming back for the reunion, but it is not possible now. If Brent Gates or anyone else that remembers me is out there, I would appreciate an answer. Hope you all have a nice time at the reunion--Mitch.
KB McCann kbmadmacs@earthlink.net Thu Jul 6 20:55:13 2000 Attention ANNE NEWLAND: If you need the Fishers' address and info contact your sister (my mom has all their information). Love Your Nephew, Kevin (sorry, it was irresistible) ;)
"JACK" STANTON JCS@CBMCLAW.COM Thu Jul 6 14:26:31 2000 I TRIED TO LEAVE THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE FOR DAVID TWEEDIE AT (ACETWEED@HORIZON.HIT.COM BUT IT WAS UNDELIVERABLE. HOPE HE, OR SOMEONE WHO KNOWS HIM, READS IT AND RESPONDS. "I CAME ACROSS YOUR NAME WHILE SCROLLING THROUGH THE ALUMNI LIST. I WAS A 292x1 ON "DAWG" FLT. FROM 10-66 TO 8-68 WHEN I WAS SHIPPED OFF TO SHEMYA. YOU WERE MY ASST. SUPERVISOR ON DAWG FLT. IN 600 BLDG. AT THE TIME, YOU WERE MARRIED AND LIVING, I THINK, IN LUTON. IF YOU REMEMBER ME, OR EVEN IF YOU DON'T, IT WOULD CERTAINLY BE NICE TO HEAR FROM YOU. HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU SOON. CHEERS.
DAVID COSMO700@YAHOO.COM Thu Jul 6 12:44:20 2000 HOLA ALGUNA CHICA QUE QUIERA CONOCER A UN LATINO CON GANAS DE VIVIR Y DISFRUTAR LA VIDA IR A MI E-MAIL
FranK Aebi faebi13@hotmail.com Thu Jul 6 11:43:16 2000 I was at the Sands from 64 to 67 and again from 68 to 72. Worked in Telepype maintenance with 2167th. Reading the messages sure has brought back good memories from my tours, from "The Head" in Bedford to the "Dirty Duck" in Shefford, and all the the other places we tended to hang out. I run into Col. Leland (Pappy) Martin, base commander, and his wife Butch from time to time.
John (J.J.) Moore n3dhl@aol.com and John.Moore@Scotland.com Thu Jul 6 10:47:35 2000 Like your Chxnet. Hello to all former Chicksands Alumni. Wonder what happened to my old buddy Ed (Roscoe) Turner We were at Chicks together from 66 to 69. Last I saw him when I flew into Thailand (NKP)in 1970 several times a month from Vietnam. Would appreciate it if anyone knows of his whereabouts. Hoping the reunion is a success. Cheers J.J. Moore
Fred Steffers Teetime@worldnet.att.net Wed Jul 5 22:04:34 2000 Will not be attending reunion as I just found out about it on Monday. I was stationed there from Sep 71 to Sep 73. I am looking for Jim Dietrick, George & Nancy Schrader that was there at the samy time frame. Any Help would be appreicated. Fred & Susan
Jorge Hurtado jhurtado@erols.com Wed Jul 5 20:51:58 2000 I wish I could be there to celebrate with everyone. Zan, you did a great job with this web site! Have a pint for me and the gang. miss you ....jorge
JOHN "JACK" STANTON JCS@CBMCLAW.COM Wed Jul 5 15:08:03 2000 ALL THOSE TRAVELING TO THE REUNION, LET ME KNOW IF THE PUBS "THE ROSE & CROWN & THE SARACEN'S HEAD ARE STILL IN BEDFORD. USED TO HANG OUT THERE SOMETIMES IN 67 & 68. HOPE EVERYONE ENJOYS THEIR VISIT BACK TO CHICKSANDS. WISH I COULD BE THERE TOO. HAVE A WONDERFUL TIME. GIVE MY REGARDS TO ANYONE FROM THE 6950TH, DOG FLIGHT FROM 66 TO 68. THANKS.
John Rayome warbucks@hotmail.com Wed Jul 5 11:54:10 2000 Won't be able to make the reunion, but will be in England the week after for an Air Tattoo! Hope all have a great time, and looking forward to bringing my kids back to Chicksands!! All the best, and big thanks to Brig. Chris Holtom for all the assistance!! Will pull you a pint!!
Ambrose Jackson j8260@aol.com Wed Jul 5 10:20:56 2000 Chris, I just read your message regarding transportation from Gatwick. I will be arriving there about 30 minutes ahead of Ed Wiggins, and, I think you know already that I will be needing bus transportation also, but in case you do no, I will appreciate it greatly if you can arrange it. I was in touch with Ed this morning and he said that you were arranging something for us. If you cannot, we plan to take the train you mentioned earlier that goes directly from Gatwick to Bedford, if its schedule fits ours. Will be seeing you soon. best regards, Jack
Anne (Lavelle) Newland MNewland@helixtechnology.com Tue Jul 4 17:46:10 2000 Does anybody know the wherabouts of Joe and Emmie Fisher?
Brig Chris Holtom cgholtom@aol.com Tue Jul 4 17:18:19 2000 TRANSPORT!! It gets better. If you are arriving at Heathrow 10th July and you need transport, get to Terminal Three and find the Group Meeting Place. Call 0411 362029 and you will get Tim Bigelow (ex Chixter) with his bus. There should be someone there with a Chicksands sign, but just in case, thats the number. For Gatwick I have a plan for those I know about. Is there anyone else who has not emailed me recently who needs a pickup at Gatwick 10th July? Regards Chris Holtom
Dick McPhee turtlbks@nb.net Tue Jul 4 15:53:26 2000 As a Chix alumni (69-73) I wish those who are attending this yrs bash all the best. PS: The notice of my death has been greatly exaggerated! I'm still around. Cheers!!
Ambrose Jackson j8260@aol.com Tue Jul 4 09:57:42 2000 Wishing all you old Chixers a great Fourth of July, and don't get your fingers burned. See you next week at THE PLACE!! Jack
James R. (Jim) Rice jimrice54@hotmail.com Sun Jul 2 23:51:20 2000 Hi all!! Pearl and I will be leaving for England on Wednesday July 5th should be in Bedford by lunch time July 6th. Besides the reunion we are planning several side trips. If anyone remembers us and would like to get together for a couple of pints our contact number in Bedford from Jul 6 to Aug 1 will be 01234-342-315. Hope to see you July 10th..
Joe Rose jwrose5@aol.com Fri Jun 30 22:43:06 2000 At Chicksands from July, '56 until Dec. '60. Would like to find the following: John Polo, Ken Bar, and Gary Carney.
Brig Chris Holtom cgholtom@aol.com Fri Jun 30 12:31:22 2000 TRANSPORT!!!! I note some people are expecting transport from the airport. I am not insured to do this - I cannot use military vehicles and we have no other system that is funded. From Gatwick it is possible to get straight through by train to Bedford. From Heathrow, you need to get to Kings Cross and then Hitchin station. From there a taxi is quite cheap. I look forward to seeing you all - here's hoping for good weather. Chris Holtom
Rebecca Fahey rgfahey@aol.com Wed Jun 28 08:58:06 2000 Rebecca Fahey (28/6/2000) From Shrewsbury, PA 6/28/00 Dear Alumni & Friends I am leaving very shortly for the United Kingdom. Please do not sent any further reunion information to me at my email address or risk your communication not being received in time for processing. If you need to check on reunion arrangements pertaining to registration etc. please contact cgholtom@aol.com. I look forward to a wonderful reunion experience - See you at the reunion! Becky Fahey, National Registrar
Heather Hall Hev.hall@fsmail.net Tue Jun 27 13:22:47 2000 Have recently found this site. My Dad was Robbie Kennedy, who was associated with Chicksands on and off for about 40 years. How he would have loved this and the great reunion. I know he will be there in spirit - him and Rosatta no doubt keeping an eye on things! My Mum still lives in Shefford at the same house, and if anyone that knew her and Dad are visiting, she'd love to hear from you. Her tel no is 01462 814065. I'd also like to say a big thank you to everyone who wrote when Dad died, it was much appreciated. We are on Base when the 'Robbie Kennedy' walk is opened. Big hi to Chris.
R. Book RalAil@cs.com Mon Jun 26 11:57:14 2000 To John Kelley: I can answer one-part of your question. You can use the ATM's for getting cash with your CC and the rate is sometimes better. I've done this in previous years.
John Kelley john-betty_kelley@erols.com Mon Jun 26 11:41:01 2000 Will one be able to use a credit card to pay for lodging, meals, etc. at Chicksands? Also, will one be able to use a US issued credit card to obtain cash at UK banks? Thanks John
Clif Daniel Clif@kansascity.com Fri Jun 23 14:57:06 2000 This is an amazing site. My father AJ Daniel Jr was with 6950th from 1960-1963. I was born in 57, so my memories of Chicksands are from a young childs views. Even though very young at the time, I have a few special memories. I was a genuine brat, I can still taste the brussel sprouts that my older brother convinced me to eat from the fields surrounding the base. And I recall an airman at the back gate that tolerated me, and allowed me to sometimes salute the cars through the back gate. I could probably fill this page with some tales of young boys pranks :o) The George Best that Boodie and others mentioned was and still is one of my fathers best friends. And I believe my father had something to do with that bomb in the football field, I recently heard that story and how they laid boards down to conceal the tire tracks of the transport :o) I know of other such pranks also ... but I'll be quiet about them. I have a great picture of the Priory on my wall and a 6950th ceramic mug in my china cabinet. I have many great memories of Chicksands and England but this forum can't possibly afford the space I could fill with tales of my memories. Whoever started this site, thankyou ... it is outstanding. You folks have a wonderful time at your re-union, I'm sure my father would like to be there.
Shirley Chandler shirley.chandler@qwest.com Thu Jun 22 10:29:45 2000 Please add me to the list I have just moved to Denver. I will have a home email soon, for now just at work. Chicksands resident from 1986-1994.
Alisha Neat (Boswell) aneat@juno.com Wed Jun 21 21:42:44 2000 Lived at Chicksands from 83-87, and Graduated from Alconbury in 87. Looking to people from that time. Lost touch when i came back to the states.
"JACK" STANTON JCS@CBMCLAW.COM Tue Jun 20 15:59:31 2000 BEING A NOVICE ON THE INTERNET AND HAVING JUST RECENTLY STUMBLED ACROSS THE CHIX WEB SITE, IT IS EXCITING TO SEE PHOTOS OF CHICKSANDS AND READ THE MESSAGES FROM THE MANY ALUMNI. THE PICTURES OF THE BASE, HOWEVER, LEAVE ME CONFUSED. I WAS AT CHICKSANDS FROM 1966 TO 68 AND DON'T RECOGNIZE SOME OF THE PHOTOS OF THE BASE. I SEEM TO REMEMBER COMING PAST THE BROCOLI FIELDS THROUGH THE GATE AND TURNING LEFT TO MY DORM WHICH WAS ONE OF TWO ON THE UPPER STREET. YOU CONTINUED ALONG THIS STREET TO THE BX & AMEX. IF YOU CONTINUED AROUND & DOWN THE HILL, THERE WERE 2 MORE DORMS AND ACROSS FROM THEM WERE THE GYM AND THEATER. ALONG THE HILLSIDE BETWEEN THESE 4 DORMS WERE A SERIES OF QUONSET HUTS CONTAINING THE LAUNDRY AND OTHER SECTIONS. PLEASE HELP ME OUT AND TELL ME IF I AM REMEMBERING THINGS CORRECTLY. I WAS A 292 WHILE AT CHICKSANDS. I SEE IN ONE OF THE MESSAGES WHERE SOMEONE OBTAINED AN R390. DOES ANYONE REMEMBER THE SP600S WHICH WERE USED IN 1966? ALSO DOES ANYONE REMBER "FSK" & "DFS". OR HOW ABOUT MIKE BAKERS AND LOVE BAKERS. SURE WOULD BE GREAT TO HEAR FROM ANYONE WHO WAS AT CHICKSANDS DURING THIS TIME FRAME.
"JACK" STANTON JCS@CBMCLAW.COM Tue Jun 20 15:57:07 2000 BEING A NOVICE ON THE INTERNET AND HAVING JUST RECENTLY STUMBLED ACROSS THE CHIX WEB SITE, IT IS EXCITING TO SEE PHOTOS OF CHICKSANDS AND READ THE MESSAGES FROM THE MANY ALUMNI. THE PICTURES OF THE BASE, HOWEVER, LEAVE ME CONFUSED. I WAS AT CHICKSANDS FROM 1966 TO 68 AND DON'T RECOGNIZE SOME OF THE PHOTOS OF THE BASE. I SEEM TO REMEMBER COMING PAST THE BROCOLI FIELDS THROUGH THE GATE AND TURNING LEFT TO MY DORM WHICH WAS ONE OF TWO ON THE UPPER STREET. YOU CONTINUED ALONG THIS STREET TO THE BX & AMEX. IF YOU CONTINUED AROUND & DOWN THE HILL, THERE WERE 2 MORE DORMS AND ACROSS FROM THEM WERE THE GYM AND THEATER. ALONG THE HILLSIDE BETWEEN THESE 4 DORMS WERE A SERIES OF QUONSET HUTS CONTAINING THE LAUNDRY AND OTHER SECTIONS. PLEASE HELP ME OUT AND TELL ME IF I AM REMEMBERING THINGS CORRECTLY. I WAS A 292 WHILE AT CHICKSANDS. I SEE IN ONE OF THE MESSAGES WHERE SOMEONE OBTAINED AN R390. DOES ANYONE REMEMBER THE SP600S WHICH WERE USED IN 1966? ALSO DOES ANYONE REMBER "FSK" & "DFS". OR HOW ABOUT MIKE BAKERS AND LOVE BAKERS. SURE WOULD BE GREAT TO HEAR FROM ANYONE WHO WAS AT CHICKSANDS DURING THIS TIME FRAME.
"JACK" STANTON JCS@CBMCLAW.COM Tue Jun 20 15:15:40 2000 WOULD LIKE TO GET IN TOUCH WITH RON HUBBLE, RON TROSCLAIR, RICK OVERMAN, TOM D'AURIA, JOE DEVLIN, OR RON CHATMAN. WE WERE ALL WITH THE 6950TH FROM 1966 THRU 1969. WOULD ALSO LIKE TO HEAR FROM ANYONE WHO WAS WITH THE 6984TH SSQ ON SHEMYA IN 1968 OR 1969.
Brig C G Holtom cgholtom@aol.com Tue Jun 20 02:09:43 2000 Please note the change of programme for the Reunion. Concert and Fireworks now Tuesday 11th July, Barndance now Thursday 13th July. Remember to book in early for events, I have had to fix the maximum numbers I can take in order to get the food order right. Heatwave here, hope it stays for next month. Best wishes Chris Holtom
Jessica Semrau Jjjsem2@aol.com Tue Jun 20 00:55:50 2000 HEY!! I lived on Chicksands for 8 years!! my father was stationed there (Kevin Semrau; TSGT) I went to DOD School and when they closed the base in '95 and I had to leave,I felt like i had left my whole life behind...to this day i still think about all my friends and memories. I have not kept in touch with any of my friends that i had there and if anyone gets this message that was in Mr.Connery's 4rth grade, or Ms. Henderson's 3rd grad class during 94-95 period E-MAIL ME!!! Love to all, Jes
Bill Gray JPUTW2@AOL.COM Mon Jun 19 20:50:53 2000 Chix 55-58. Does anyone know the whereabouts of Willard and Denise Anderson, stationed there at that time?
Morris, Stan Linkouite@aol.com Mon Jun 19 10:02:10 2000 Please change my e-mail address from JLMBedford@aol.com to Linkouite@aol.com in the alumni section.
SIMON DANIEL sdaniel@qbe-europe.com Mon Jun 19 08:26:39 2000 Do you have a contact name/address/phone number for the Scoutmaster at RAF Chicksands please?
Alan Dansey Biggleswade@awdansey.co.uk Sat Jun 17 10:51:42 2000 Hi, I run the Biggleswade Community Web Site at http://www.awdansey.co.uk/Biggleswade There is a bit there about Chicksands - happy to add more if someone gives me the information. You may find other things there of interest. We now have a message board if you are looking for information about Biggleswade or trying to renew friendships etc. Good luck with the reunion. Alan Dansey Dunton, Beds, England
Angela anek@ndirect.co.uk Sat Jun 17 10:26:46 2000 Hi, I`m collecting war time memories for the very reason in your "a Soldier died Today" poem. if anyone was involved in ww2 and would like to submit thier war time memories to my project please e-mail me or visit my web site at : http://www.mynetcentral.com/ww2memories/ Thanks for your time.
James Maahs James.Maahs@scott.af.mil Wed Jun 14 21:58:59 2000 Some more folks I left out. Gale Tucker, Brian Pinnell Sanders (Data Automation), Sam Moyer (Criticomm Kid), The Workmans, Tegler, And Tim Back (6950DOF?)
James Maahs James.Maahs@scott.af.mil Wed Jun 14 21:15:03 2000 2112CS 87-89, I just found this Web Site. Brings back lots of memories. I still remember all the folks at Chix. I worked in the Streamliner Comm center with Rodney Byres, Dan Hopkins Kay Pangburn (Prosser) Kim Pangburn, Randy and Connie Cockril, Roger York, Clay Taylor, Bill Rinehart, Scotty Corwin, John Boyd, Mike Monroe, Dembenzak, Kevin Lundy, SSgt King (COMSEC), James Woodard, MSgt COX, Frank Zeini (Still have half of that dollar) John Nelligan, Andy (Crash) Brandenberg, Maj. Handel, Bob Dodge, Coleman Schup, The Brasheers, Shelly Steagin, CMSgt Brown, The Bartenders Chuck and Sal. If I was not at work I was having a great time Either at the Rod and Gun club or The Whispering Sands. If you remember me send me a e-mail.
Mark Mattacola markmattacola@hotmail.com Wed Jun 14 15:09:27 2000 Just to briefly introduce myself, I'm based at Chicksands,and am working on the museum exhibits. Myself and a colleague are working on the 70 - 80's period, and would appreciate it if any of you could forward any stories and the like from that era. We would like to reflect some of the personalities that were there at that time. Anything from other era's would also be welcome, and I will pass them on to whoever is covering that period. Many thanks,and we hope to see you all at the dedication.
Richard Schwing schwing1@bellsouth.net Wed Jun 14 13:28:51 2000 I was stationed at the "Sands" from Jan. 1964 to Jan. 1967 as an X2 on Baker Flight. Would love to hear from anyone that was there during that time. email me /TD>
John Creel keoni@friendlycity.net Sun Jun 11 19:44:22 2000 After looking through all the message's i came to the conclusion that i was the only person in 2167th comm at the torn tape relay from 70 until 73. I worked on Dog Flight.
Darren Brooks darren997@totalise.co.uk Fri Jun 9 12:13:33 2000 Hi All, I working at chicksands for 8 years (1987-1995) helping all you wonderful people at the bowling center as the chief mechinic, I would love to chat to anyone from chicksands used the bowling center. I had a great time working at chicksands and meet some really nice people. I still live near chicksands anyone who like a chat email me.
Roger Sprague rsprague@supernet.com Wed Jun 7 20:17:17 2000 Forgot to add, the airline is Virgin Atlantic.
Roger Sprague rsprague@supernet.com Wed Jun 7 20:06:21 2000 If it is any help to anyone, www.airdeals.com is offering round trip Dulles to Gatwick for $532 plus tax. Also, you can rent a four door 1.6 liter car for 10 days Gatwick Gatwick for $164.62 base plus other charges such as VAT through www.alamo.com. Cheers, see you in July
Brig Chris Holtom cgholtom@aol.com Tue Jun 6 17:09:02 2000 ACCOMMODATION and CONTACT NUMBER: Accommodation on camp will cost £10 per person per day. You get bed and breakfast for that. Any other meals taken that are not official paid events (Barndance, Dinner/dance etc) will cost £2.82 evening meal and £1.97 midday meal. The contact number for information and to leave messages is 01462 752321. Its in the registration office and they can fix things on base for you. You will be able to pay for the various events on site at registration and I advise you book then for paid events. We have set the catering numbers and places are going fast. See you next month. Best wishes Chris Holtom
Willard (Addy) Addington wladdin@aol.com Tue Jun 6 14:12:37 2000 Here's some more rental car information. If you are traveling on Thameslink from Gatwick to Bedford and are having problems with getting a rental car in Bedford you might consider getting off at Luton. Both Avis and Hertz offer rental cars from downtown Luton and at the airport. Herts will provide transportation from the train station to the car pick-up point. You can access either on the net at www.hertz.com or www.avis.com and make reservations. If calling from the States, the Luton Hertz number is:011441582450333. However it is much cheaper to reserve the car on line. Also, check your credit card policy as it may cover the insurance. Hertz is quoting the basic fee for a compact 4dr manual no air car at $160.10 per week. There will be other additional charges I'm sure--such as tax, licensing and road tax etc. Anyway just wanted to pass on this bit of information. Looking forward to seeing everyone.
Brig Chris Holtom ync30@dial.pipex.com Tue Jun 6 04:26:40 2000 ACCOMMODATION and CONTACT. For those staying on base the charge is £10 per person per day (Tax included). This is for bed and breakfast. Meals taken by those staying on base that are not the paid events are: Evening meal £2.82 and midday meal £1.97. Contact Number for information on base is 01462 752321. You can pay for the special event meals on arrival. Be prepared to book in at that time, if you have not already done so - we are running out of space and the capacity is now fixed. See you in a month Chris Holtom
Stacy Tudor tudormitchell@hotmail.com Mon Jun 5 21:48:44 2000 Hi all. I was at Chicksands from Feb '92 through Aug '94 on Able flight--X1 and X2 floors. My email address has changed, so if anyone wants to keep in touch, here you have it. Cheers!
russell king ldoe4rforce Mon Jun 5 21:15:47 2000 to all "chicks" attending 2000 reunion. best of good times are wished. wish I could be there. I was stationed oct. 1965 thru oct. 1968. treasure all my memories!
Deb Banton briananddeb@compuserve.com Mon Jun 5 20:42:08 2000 I am still on my elusive search for the whereabouts of Don Whye, Diane Endicott, Vera Vierra Nathan, and Drew Harbeson. Let me know if anyone has heard from them.
Reba Milbourne reba08@bigfoot.com Mon Jun 5 14:19:49 2000 Hello! I was so excited to find this web page. I was a dependent at Chicksands from 84-85. At the time, my parents were Bert and Ritha Selby and they were there from 83-88. I visited once a year after 1985. I was in Mr. Farrell's 5th grade class. Some names that I remember are: Terri Hudson, Telecia "Tee" Hudson, Tom and Marina Banks, Randy and Tracy(can't remember last name), Krystal and David Hollenbeck, Mac and Judice McAdams, Darryl and Joann (no last name, moved to TX)etc. If anyone out there knows me, send me a message. I would love to hear from you. Thanks and to those going to the reunion - have a safe trip.
Larry Churchill lshillhsd@earthlink.net Mon Jun 5 11:23:11 2000 Short not to give new e-mail address of lshillhsd@earthlink.net. See all of you in a month. (2167th - 1967-69)
Earl Richardson lourx@lswinc.com Thu Jun 1 20:00:33 2000 Sent a message yesterday, changed e-mail again today. Still interested in old buddies from 1953 through1956 . I was going to the re-union, however friend from Scotland will be here during that time. Will visit the sands later in the summer. Earl(Rich)Richardson
Becky Fahey RGFahey@aol.com Wed May 31 08:20:29 2000 Our web master has recently added some photos to the gallery - if you haven't visited that page lately please take a few minutes to do so...Thanks Zan!!! Becky
Bill Grayson Chicksands@webtv.net Tue May 30 12:36:06 2000 FINAL REUNION FACT SHEET We have posted (on the 'Reunion' page) the final fact sheet with all the reunion details. There is 1 sentence that should have been deleted for the webpage. That sentence says that attendees who have requested on-base lodging and who have been confirmed should have received a post card. Post card confirmation was sent only to people without email addresses. If you have an email address, your lodging confirmation was your name appearing on the lodging list on this website. This list will be back up on Chixnet ASAP but nothing has changed and no one who was previously on the lodging list has been removed. Sorry if there has been any confusion. CU in July, Bill
Donnie Haire rabbit@hutch3.freeserve.co.uk Tue May 30 06:09:57 2000 How do we go about registering for the Chix re-union on line. Please advise
Brig CHris Holtom cgholtom@aol.com Mon May 29 16:51:26 2000 Museum. Note the opening of the US Museum is Thursday 13 July - not Tuesday 11th. I need more pictures gentlemen. I have plenty from the 1950s and 60s but little from after that. Please bring any stuff you are prepared to lend or give us, when you come to the reunion. It may not get in the museum for the opening, but it will be used as we expand the exhibit. Best wishes Chris Holtom
Ambrose Jackson j8260@aol.com Mon May 29 13:55:04 2000 Today being Memorial Day, I thought I would offer this bit of very relevent trivia for those who knew it and had forgotten, and for those who never knew. It appeared in the Ann Landers column several years ago, and was from a US Army Master Sergeant who was station in Fort Benjamin Harris, IN. He had researched the origin of the bugle call "Taps" and learned that it was composed by Gen. Daniel Butterfield in July of 1862. He could neither read nor write music, so he had his brigade bugler, Oliver W. Norton, to write it down when he whistled the tune to him. A few mnonths later, a funeral took place for one of his connoneers. The enemy was too close for them to fire the customary three volleys, so the general had the bugler to sound "Taps." That is how it became the soldier's final farewell and tribute. According to the sergeant who furnished Ann Landers this story, there have been several versions of the words "Taps," but here is one of the best: Day is done, gone the sun, From the lake, from the hills, from the sky, All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh.
Dean Enderle Dean.Ramsey@tesco,net Sun May 28 12:40:37 2000 To Dave Bergstrom, I must be blind or dumb but can't seem to see your e-mail address anywhere so have to resort to leaving you messages here. You were right about Paul Heslop, he was MR Clean, always worrying about his creases, shoes, etc etc. I was there with Charlie Kuhns and Buddy McGuire in charge, My position was sort of just in front of Jerry Lapointe and behind Martin Ray, and yeah it was Civilian Air we worked. Funny how we were in the same building at the same time but just cannot put a face to the name, just shows how the years mess with your head. I heard from Rod Carmody today, hope to hear from more of the old gang, thanks for the addresses, got to go now. Dean E.
Dean Enderle Dean.Ramsey@tesco,net Sat May 27 15:07:22 2000 Thanks to Dave Bergstrom and Frank "Boodie" Burdleman for the info.Yes Dave I would appreciate all those e-mail addresses you quaoted and thanks a lot, I already had Rod Carmody's from the list on the net but hadn't picked out the others. Frank, I was a ditty bop also and Paul Heslop and I worked in Easy Block on Charlie Trick, We had Al Loper, Martin Ray, "Red" Partridge and Russ James in there with us. Ring any bells now.Anyway thanks for the input and take care. Dean Enderle
Dean Enderle Dean.Ramsey@tesco.net Fri May 26 15:19:01 2000 I was at Chicksands 1959 to 1962, 292xo on Charlie trick, anybody who was there and remembers me,drop me a line. Also does anyone know the whereabouts of Dave Jennings, Jim Cassals, Joe Hetke, Paul Heslop, or any of the other Charlie Trick people of that era, would appreciate any info.
Ralph Book RalAil@cs.com Thu May 25 22:08:22 2000 Added Information - If you rent a car over the internet its a little cheaper. Question - Is there anything afoot to have some baseball hats (100% cotton) made with a "Chix" logo and years involved???
Ralph Book RalAil@cs.com Thu May 25 21:57:35 2000 Just for Information - I'm renting a 1.8 Ford Escort or similiar for 3 weeks for $384 + 17.5% VAT through Avis. But, I will claim the VAT back.
Jim LePine jlepine@citcom.net Thu May 25 20:05:08 2000 Car rental is a Vauxhall. Don't want our British friends to think that we colonials can't spell correctly!!
Jim LePine jlepine@citcom.net Thu May 25 16:04:57 2000 Forgot to give the telephone number for Enterprise Car Rental. It is: 011441234353555. Thameslink is 011440857484950. See you at the reunion!!
Jim LePine jlepine@citcom.net Thu May 25 15:58:37 2000 Ralph Morris asked about rental cars. I have reserved a car with Enterprise in Bedford. I don't know if it's a good deal or not, but will run around 155 pounds a week for a mid sized Vuxhall. Also, for those that are interested, we will be arriving at Gatwick and will take Thameslink from Gatwick to Bedford. Price - 32.50 pounds per person - one-way, First Class. Does anyone know about the accomodations at Chicksands? i.e. - what the rooms will be like, shared facilities, cost etc. Any info would be appreciated!!
Brig Chris Holtom cgholtom@aol.com Wed May 24 15:06:39 2000 DINNER/DANCE ETC. The costs for the paid events is as follows, per head. BBQ Tuesday 11 (£3.50), Fireworks, dinner/concert (£15), Dinner/Dance Wed 12th (£16) and the Barndance (£5.50). I hope that is clear for all. You can pay when you arrive on camp. There will be money changing facilities at reception and a lot of information about activities during the reunion. Coca Cola and Budweiser are providing free drinks (I do not yet know how much!) Our sponsors have paid for medieval re-enactments, firewaorks, bands, the museum, along with 10th RSM and the memorial wall restoration. Please register with Becky Fahey (RGFahey@aol.com). I look forward to seeing you. PS weather foul at present - it can only improve! Chris Holtom
roberta perlis robperlis@aol.com Tue May 23 21:35:18 2000 I NEED HELP. THE MONEY I AM TO SEND IS THAT FOR ONLY REGISTRATION. WHAT ABOUT THE MONEY FOR THE DINNER DANCE ON JULY 12. I AM CONFUSED. IF THERE IS A FEE FOR THE DANCE AND I AM ASUMSING THERE IS, WHERE AND WHEN DO I SEND THE MONEY. I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS AS CHICKSANDS WAS A BIG PART OF MY LIKE. I TAUGHT THERE
debbie counts dicount@yahoo.com Tue May 23 21:30:31 2000 I NEED SOME HELP. FIRST OF ALL I AM AWAITING A REPLY FROM ONE OF THE GUESTS I HAVE INVITED. SECONDLY IS THIS MONEY I WILL BE SENDING ONLY FOR REGISTRATION. HOW MUCH WILL THE JULY DINNER DANCE COST PER PERSON? I AM CONFUSED. DO I SEND ALL MONIES NOW OR IF THERE IS MORE, DO I WAIT UNTIL I GET THERE. PLEASE ADVISE. I AM EXCITED AS CHICKSANDS WAS A MAJOR PART OF MY LIFE. MY E MAIL IS robperlis@aol.com THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
Ralph Morris inthestix@earthlink.net Tue May 23 21:16:06 2000 Anybody out there found a good deal on rental cars during the reunion? If so, let the rest of us in on it. Thanks.
Addu wladdin@aol.com Mon May 22 23:05:23 2000 Jim, we lost another great bloke with the passing of Snip Peacock. Ran into Gen Norma Brown in the BX today and she said that Snip had died from cancer. He would have most definitely been at the reunion. He will be missed. Got my tickets; a place to stay; now waiting for July. See you there.
Jim White gemwhite@aol.com Sun May 21 07:09:19 2000 For those of you who knew Mr. Joe Peacock of the Chicksands Class VI. Recently received word he passed away in early May. He was a very personable and friendly guy who ran the Class VI store for as many years as I could remember.
cmsgt ambrose cmsgtambrose@aol.com Sat May 20 17:12:06 2000 cmi was stationed a 6952 and transfered from ther to the 6900,from there to 6933, time frame from 1959-1963.would be interested to hear from someone.
Bill Grayson Chicksands@webtv.net Fri May 19 12:07:35 2000 MUSEUM NEWS - All the elements for the US exhibit (SP-600 and R-390 radios, headsets, typewriter and uniforms, photos, documents, etc.) were airlifted to RAF Lyneham in an RAF C-130 and are now in Bldg 600 on the 'hill' at Chicksands, awaiting assembly. The museum will be officially opened at the reunion in July. We'll have photos on this website in early August. Many thanks to all those who contributed money, display items and their time for this commemoration of an important aspect of US history in Britain.
Bill Grayson Chicksands@webtv.net Thu May 18 19:44:32 2000 MUSEUM NEWS: The US museum exhibit elements (SP-600 and R-390 radios, uniforms, 2 pr headsets, typewriter, photos, etc. went by RAF C-130 from Dulles to RAF Lyneham and are now at Chix in Bldg 600. The exhibit will be assembled shortly. Dedication occurs during the reunion. We'll have photos on this website in early August.
GILBERT "KIKO" DELGADO HOTPOCKET262@AOL.COM Wed May 17 13:22:07 2000 LOOKING FOR A DIANE O'DWYER. SHE WORKED ON THE HILL 82-84. ANYBODY KNOWING HER PLEASE EMAIL ME THANKS. BY THE WAY I WAS THERE AT CHICSANDS AS A DITTY BOP ON DOFA 81-84. ANYBODY REMEBERS ME CONTACT ME.
Brig Chris Holtom cgholtom@aol.com Tue May 16 13:31:47 2000 REUNION REGISTRATION. Time is running out and we will have to cut off further registrations for the Chicksands Reunion as of 9 June 2000. This means anyone not registered by that date will have difficulty getting on the base and there may well be no spaces left for the many events we have planned. Please take the plunge and register with Becky Fahey asp (RGFahey@aol.com) I look forward to meeting you all. PS. Your fountain looks brilliant in the walled garden! Best Wishes Chris Holtom
Jimmy Gibbs jgibbs@revman.com Tue May 16 05:35:59 2000 1981-1983, 7274th Supply---- Would like to hear from old friends. If you were involved in football, rugby, or NCO club Rock Samplers, we probably were acquainted.
Rex Faris gfaris@neocom.net Mon May 15 22:04:23 2000 "The Ranch" with Geo. Best, Carol Hatly, Bob Carter, and others. Never been there sober. Never saw a 4 legged cow. Saw lots of midnight cowboys.
Don Spangler donspan1@gte.net Sat May 13 22:37:00 2000 I have been looking for the schedule of events at the reunion..Could you please let me know where I can find them? Thanks
carl Lutes carl_lutes@hotmail.com Sat May 13 19:36:15 2000 I've posted before but wanted to check in again. was at the sands from January 1962(a VERY cold winter to run from quonset huts to latrine!!) to July 1964. A couple of questions about civilian personnel. I remember a lady named Gladys making hamburgers on mids in the compound--a guy went in one night and said "gladys, make me a hamburger, and she answered "poof, you're a hamburger!" old joke but that was a long time ago. another person I haven't seen mentioned was Eddie, the airmen's club bartender. Eddie had a ring of reddish-blonde hair around a mostly bald head, and was from Detroit. Any one from that era remember these two? Also, seems like the AP who was ALWAYS asking me questions was named Simczak(?sp). He and I got to know each other pretty well, although it always seemed to be minor incidents, we did see each other a lot! I love reading these posts but wish there were more from "my" era 1962-1964.
TONY ALEXANDER ON NOTE Sat May 13 06:50:32 2000 GLAD YOUR ABOUT. ALL IS WELL WITH YOU AND YOURS AS ALWAYS ?
DANIELLE OTTEN VARGAS OTTENVARGAS@webtv.net Tue May 9 23:39:19 2000 THIS IS A GENERAL MESSAGE FOR ANYONE WHO KNEW THE WILLIAMS FAMILY GUJE MARVIN ADELISIA OR THEIR MOTHER LEELA FATHER KNOWN AS BIG WILL TO MOST. TRAGEDY HAS ONCE AGAIN BE FALLEN THIS WONDERFUL FAMILY GUJE IS IN A COMA AND HAS BEEN SINCE FEB 2000. ANYONE WHO KNEW OR KNOW THE WILLIAMS PLEASE INCLUDE THEM IN YOUR PRAYERS.THEY WE'RE STATIONED IN CHICKSANDS FROM "77-81" WERE KNOWN BY MANY THAT WERE ALSO STATIONED WITH THEM. THE MOST FRIENDLIEST FAMILY. ONCE AGAIN I ASK TO PLEASE INCLUDE GUJE AND FAMILY IN YOUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. THANK YOU. OTTEN FAMILY.
DANIELLE OTTEN VARGAS OTTENVARGAS@webtv.net Tue May 9 23:35:34 2000 THIS IS A GENERAL MESSAGE FOR ANYONE WHO KNEW THE WILLIAMS FAMILY GUJE MARVIN ADELISIA OR THEIR MOTHER LEELA FATHER KNOWN AS BIG WILL TO MOST. TRAGADY HAS ONCE AGAIN HIT THIS WONDERFUL FAMILY GUJE IS IN A COMA AND HAS BEEN SINCE FEB 2000. ANYONE WHO KNEW OR KNOW THE WILLIAMS PLEASE INCLUDE THEM IN YOUR PRAYERS.THEY WE'RE STATIONED IN CHICKSANDS FROM "77-81" WERE KNOWN BY MANY THAT WERE ALSO STATIONED WITH THEM. THE MOST FRIENDLIEST FAMILY. ONCE AGAIN I ASK TO PLEASE INCLUDE GUJE AND FAMILY IN YOUR PRAYERS. THANK YOU. OTTEN FAMILY.
Kaylene Abad KayleneRae@aol.com Mon May 8 17:52:42 2000 Looking for anyone who may know how to contact Janice Ford Kevan. She was married Steve, a civilian. I'm also looking for Kim and Ryan Bishop. Any help would be appreciated. We were all there late 80's early 90's. Thanks!
Frank (Boodie) Budelman budelf60@bigplanet.com Sat May 6 19:08:27 2000 Very familiar with the "Ranch" and Geo. Best. Geo. could take some bodacious pics wherever he went. Hope he didn't keep some of the pics he took at parties. Those were halcion days, and hazy evenings. Great memories of 50s and 60s in Blokeland. Anyone know the whereabouts of "Happy" Saunders, that's Francis Patrick Saunders (club bartender), Sam Copple?
Frank (Boodie) Budelman budelf60@bigplanet.com Fri May 5 17:05:58 2000 Anyone know if 6981st Radio Group Mobile at Elmendorf AFB Alaska has a site. I was there before I made it to Chix and would like to be in touch with guys. 6981st 1957-1958 then Chix 1959 and left Chix 1964
Frank (Boodie) Budelman budelf60@bigplanet.com Fri May 5 16:01:24 2000 I remember the compound shoot-up very well, I was on mid shift when the shot went into our hut. Flo could make some bodacious cigarett ash hamburgers and western sandwiches. Who was there when the two Lieutenants, Place and Ulrich, put a rocket into the football field and caused a major commotion when it was found the next morning. It had the bomb disposal group pretty confused for a while.
Tim Beal tbeal@wilkshire.net Tue May 2 21:18:25 2000 just passing thru,thought I would say hi!!,used to work at the NCO club and was manager at the good ol' Rod and Gun club from 88 to 91.drop me a line if you remember!!!
Vince Wuwert VAWUWERT@AOL.COM Tue Apr 25 14:52:48 2000 HELLO CHIX ALUMNI: Any one out there have a Baker Flight jacket from the late 60's? Well I do!..and it will soon to be sent to the British laison at Chicksands, Captain Clive Sanders for inclusion in the Americans at Chicksands Museum to be opening in July of 2000. This jacket was obtained from A1C Wayne Wineland of Chicksands Baker Flight, an X-2, who was at the 'Sands from 1965-67. I am sure it will be an outstanding addition to the museum archives and my thanks to Wayne for donating this item. Looking forward with much excitement to meeting all of you in July.at the 'Sands. Vince Wuwert Chicksands 66-68 Baker Flight .
Glenda ems@shianet.org Mon Apr 24 20:41:12 2000 looking for some long lost friends of the late 50's and early 60's Ed Carrol and family John & Charlotte Black Bob Oliver Lee Bourilette
Becky RGFahey@aol.com Mon Apr 24 17:48:25 2000 Hey Chicksters - The reunion days are coming! Thank you for understanding that I am trying to keep up with your emails etc. Please read the webpage messages and links to reunion info to get reunion details. You will probably find the answer quicker that way. Thanks for understanding - there are 400+ alumni registered now and the recordkeeping is a huge task. See you at the reunion. Becky
Bob Edwards truded@stic.net Sun Apr 23 20:35:13 2000 "The Ranch" Now there is a memory out of the past. If you know the ranch, do you know George Best, the photographer?
Alan DiStefano c16hayes@aol.com Sat Apr 22 20:56:13 2000 Undoubtedly the two most ultimate years of my life. My tour at Chicksands, 64 - 66 will always be part of my conversations. If I could go back to the same era with the same guys, I would leave to return in a heartbeat. No questions asked. That's my comment. P.S. I was one of the few Yanks that lived at "the ranch".
Paul Tholen paultholen@tinyworld.co.uk Sat Apr 22 05:43:44 2000 Have been having great fun in recent days trawling through this site and others that bring back memories of my time in USAFSS. I was a 202 at Chicksands from 72-76, first as senior reporter on Charlie Flight and for the last two years as a 'Day Lady' in DOU, which included a spell as unit briefer. I left the Air Force in 76 to stay in England and join the wine trade, where I worked for 12 years, qualifying as the second American Master of Wine in 84. Moved to Norfolk in 85 as purchasing manager of Colman's of Norwich and, for the past five years, have been a management consultant with KPMG. My wife Wendy and I married in 73, whilst at Chix, and now inhabit an old cottage in South Norfolk with dogs, horses and a great quality of life. Plan to attend one or two days of the reunion and would love to catch up on things with anyone who knew me back in the 70's.
Ambrose Jackson jac8260@aol.com Fri Apr 21 14:24:30 2000 I have registered for the reunion, have signed up for bus transportation from Gatwick, but have tried to signup for some of the programs under "Activities," but every time I click on that word, I get the message, "Not found - The requested URL/reunion/activities.htm was not found on this server." I want to take some of the bus trips, etc, but can't seem to do it. Zan, what happened? Jack
LAWRENCE M MAYO LMRMMAYO@CTNET.NET Thu Apr 20 21:25:12 2000 Under the Chixalumni listing could you please change the information listed under my name to read 6950th instead of 7274th. Thanks! Also, we are interested to know if anyone has contact with John Saylor who was stationed in 6950 during 1969-1973.
Mel Rewis Secondofficer2@aol.com Thu Apr 20 15:58:51 2000 Hello all..I was stationed at chicksands..from '86 to '88. I worked as an X1 on the hill. I'd like to hear from any old fox dorm residents or charlie/dawg flight mates. Cheers ..Mel
Tony Alexander tonyandcaarolalexander@netzero.net Wed Apr 19 17:52:28 2000 I was stationed at RAF Chicksands in 1971 to 1975 and worked in the vehicle maint. shop. I can not make the reunion, but I was wondering if I may get a Chix certificate mailed to me at my USA address? I really loved my tour at Chicksands, it was a lovely base and an enjoyable tour of duty. I left a lot of good friends both American and English. I returned to Mildenhall in 1978 and left in 1982. I would await a reply to my question and good luck with the reunion. Tony Alexander
David McKinnon westdown@aol.com Wed Apr 19 11:40:36 2000 Great we site. I was stationed at Chicksands from 1986-1990. I worked in the clinic and thoroughly enjoyed my stay. I return to England each year to visit. If anyone was assigned to the clinic, please email me.
Reunion Coord Committee chicksands@webtv.net Tue Apr 18 13:01:09 2000 *** TO ALL FORMER CHICKS REGISTERED FOR THE REUNION *** SUBJ: Headcount for 2 dinner events In order to make arrangements with the caterer for the Dinner-Dance* on Wednesday eve 12 July and the Concert-Supper+Fireworks on Thursday eve 13 July, we need everyone to please make reservations for these two events by returning the following info straight away to RGFahey@aol.com: _____ in my party will attend ALL MEAL EVENTS during the week (including the Dinner-Dance on Wednesday eve 12 July and the Concert-Supper+Fireworks on Thursday eve 13 July). The package cost for all meals during the Reunion is £40 per person paid at the on-site registration desk when we arrive. _____ in my party will attend the Dinner-Dance on Wednesday eve 12 July and we will purchase other separately-priced individual meal tickets at the on-site registration desk when we arrive. _____ in my party will attend the Concert-Supper+Fireworks on Thursday eve 13 July and we will purchase separately-priced individual meal tickets at the on-site registration desk when we arrive. * Gentlemen's dress for the Dinner-Dance is coat-and-tie EVERYONE REGISTERED PLEASE EMAIL BECKY FAHEY NLT 30 APRIL! Thanks and looking forward to seeing you in <90 days!!!!!!!!!!!
Rich Olechna www.REOLECH@AOL.com Mon Apr 17 12:12:24 2000 Hi mates, I was stationed at RAF CHICKSANDS on baker flight from 1967 to 1971. I worked up on the hill as an X1 the whole time I was there. Im trying to hook up with a few friends and old room mates of mine so if anyone could help me out please do. Richard "dick" Soule, John "the bone" Bonich, Cliff "Chico" Chowlicz, and Pete Klopak they were all on baker flight.So if anyone knows the where abouts of these men please drop me a line. thanks
Rich Olechna www.REOLECH@AOL.com Mon Apr 17 12:12:17 2000 Hi mates, I was stationed at RAF CHICKSANDS on baker flight from 1967 to 1971. I worked up on the hill as an X1 the whole time I was there. Im trying to hook up with a few friends and old room mates of mine so if anyone could help me out please do. Richard "dick" Soule, John "the bone" Bonich, Cliff "Chico" Chowlicz, and Pete Klopak they were all on baker flight.So if anyone knows the where abouts of these men please drop me a line. thanks
RON SAVAGE RON SAVAGE@AOL.COM Mon Apr 17 03:07:04 2000 SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT MARV.MANY HUGS FOR HIS FAMILY. WISH HE COULD HAVE LEARNED TO PLAY GOLF.
Cathy Prince ciprince@up.net Fri Apr 14 21:35:15 2000 Just happened across this site. My husband, Luther (Luke) and I were stationed at Chicksands in 70-74. He worked in radio repair. at the Round House. we enjoyed our time in England. Active in the Rod & Gun Club, archery and darts. I am sad to say he passed away in 1999, due to ALS, also known as Lou Gehrigs disease. This site has brought back many fond memories. Hope to hear from someone who remembers him. He was one great guy! Loved fishing and hunting.
Gary Cunningham Gary.Cunningham@randolph.af.mil Wed Apr 12 09:40:34 2000 Haven't logged on to this site in a while. Unfortunately I won't be able to attend the reunion. I'm still in. I'm working at HQ AETC/SCXX at Randolph AFB in San Antonio Texas. I was at Chicksands from June 79 to Jan 83 in Teletype Maintenance. I was often referred to as the "Concert Kid" or the "Coca-Cola Kid". Would love to hear from anyone in that class that remembers me. To all of you attending the reunion, have a great time (and have an extra pint of Abbot Ale for me). Thanks!!
Becky Fahey RGFahey@aol.com Tue Apr 11 08:57:07 2000 Charles Leadbeater from Shefford and former Chicksands British employee is seeking to contact WJ (Bill) Elliott of the Vehcile Maintenance Operation in the 80's. Bill's wife's name is Marlin. If you have info about Bill please let me know so I can tell Charlie. Thanks.
Reunion Coord Committee chicksands@webtv.net Mon Apr 10 16:53:56 2000 TO ALL FORMER CHICKS REGISTERED FOR THE REUNION SUBJ: Headcount for 2 dinner events In order to make arrangements with the caterer for the Dinner-Dance* on Wednesday eve 12 July and the Concert-Supper+Fireworks on Thursday eve 13 July, we need everyone to please make reservations for these two events by returning the following info to RGFahey@aol.com: _____ in my party will attend ALL MEAL EVENTS during the week (including the Dinner-Dance on Wednesday eve 12 July and the Concert-Supper+Fireworks on Thursday eve 13 July). The package cost for all meals during the Reunion is £40 per person paid at the on-site registration desk when we arrive. _____ in my party will attend the Dinner-Dance on Wednesday eve 12 July and we will purchase other separately-priced individual meal tickets at the on-site registration desk when we arrive. _____ in my party will attend the Concert-Supper+Fireworks on Thursday eve 13 July and we will purchase separately-priced individual meal tickets at the on-site registration desk when we arrive. * Gentlemen's dress for the Dinner-Dance is coat-and-tie *************** PLEASE RESPOND NLT 30 APRIL *************** Thanks and looking forward to being together in July!
Reunion Coord Committee www.chicksands.com Mon Apr 10 16:42:26 2000 TO ALL FORMER CHICKS REGISTERED FOR THE REUNION SUBJ: Headcount for 2 dinner events In order to make arrangements with the caterer for the Dinner-Dance* on Wednesday eve 12 July and the Concert-Supper+Fireworks on Thursday eve 13 July, we need everyone to please make reservations for these two events by returning the following info to RGFahey@aol.com: _____ in my party will attend ALL MEAL EVENTS during the week (including the Dinner-Dance on Wednesday eve 12 July and the Concert-Supper+Fireworks on Thursday eve 13 July). The package cost for all meals during the Reunion is £40 per person paid at the on-site registration desk when we arrive. _____ in my party will attend the Dinner-Dance on Wednesday eve 12 July and we will purchase other separately-priced individual meal tickets at the on-site registration desk when we arrive. _____ in my party will attend the Concert-Supper+Fireworks on Thursday eve 13 July and we will purchase separately-priced individual meal tickets at the on-site registration desk when we arrive. * Gentlemen's dress for the Dinner-Dance is coat-and-tie
Gabrel T. Weaver jeppmbt@aol.com Sun Apr 9 17:07:44 2000 Stationed Chicksands from Feb 53 til Apr. 54, Transferred to Kirknewton. Worked out of Tech Service, electronic maintenance, mainly in A block.
Teri Canupp-Katz Ruislip67@aol.com Tue Apr 4 22:40:31 2000 Friends and Family of Chicksands: I am so sorry to use this as a forum for such sad news. My name is Teri Canupp and many of you were at Chicksands with my father from 77-95. I am sorry to have to inform you that my father, Marv Canupp, passed away this evening after a long, hard battle with lung cancer. My father had so many fond memories of England and the people we knew there, you and Chicksands were all dearly missed by our family. I am asking anyone out there to take a moment to share a memory or story by sending me e-mails that I can print for my family. There are some of you out there that we lost touch with so many years ago but you have never been forgotten...Sondra, Maria ...this list could go on forever. I hope to hear from some of you in the near future and look forward to hearing some of the old "war stories". Thank you all for giving us so many wonderful memories of a glorious time.
Dick Costin dicostin@sssnet.com Tue Apr 4 15:17:28 2000 Anybody there from the 54-55era Drop me a short note. Cheers!
Pat Holena pat.holena@mciworld.com Sat Apr 1 22:45:56 2000 WOW! Does this bring back memories. I was the Optometry Technician at Chicksands from 1985 - 1987 and can remember so many good things that I cannot even begin to list them. Chicksands was my first permanent duty station and because I was young I was eager to get back to the States. Unfortunately for me it is a decision I regret to this day because as of yet I have not been able to get back. Chicksands was more than a base...it was a family. I remember the football or softball games where the whole base would head out to "sports island" to participate or spectate. If I could only can a little of that spirit to keep with me and pass out at other bases it would make being an Air Force member even more enjoyable. If anybody remembers me please email me. I wish I could attend the reunion this summer but my job at my current assignment will keep me from being there. I hope all of you enjoy yourselves, I know this is one jealous Chicksands alumni.
JIM GEIGER JIMGEIG@AOL.COM Fri Mar 31 21:01:26 2000 I was stationed at Chicks from 77-80. I was a X-2 on Baker flight. I would love to hear from you.
Matt Kohn mattkohn@dvoice.com Fri Mar 31 05:14:28 2000 Just received the terrible news of the death of former Chicksands Alumni Wayne Wycoff. He was a fun guy and a true friend. He will be greatly missed.
Brig Chris Holtom cgholtom@aol.com Thu Mar 30 02:23:49 2000 Wedgwood Plate. Look at the store and you will see a poor image (by me!) of a Wedgwood Plate in dark blue and gold which we have commissioned for the 850th anniversary of Chicksands Priory. It will cost £25, it will be boxed and, from the proofs I have seen, it will be outstanding. The catch? I need some idea of the level of interest before I order the quantity of plates, the more the cheaper. I do not have long (a week to 10 days from now if we want to see this fabulous souvenir in July) Please email me to let me know you may be interested and I'll take the risk if you respond. You can order through Zan Taylor's excellent website anyway in slow time.
Arthur Morgan tartanmack4@hotmail.com Wed Mar 29 08:03:56 2000 Does anyone remember Arthur Garber who was stationed at Kirknewton in Scotland 1942-45? I am trying to trace him and he was last heard of in Miami, Florida, I would much appreciate any info on him as he is my birthfather and just recently found out about him through a family member after the death of my adoptive father. Arthur Morgan Edinburgh Scotland
sheila (gladden) clayton claytonbuilders@1starnet.com Sat Mar 25 12:53:54 2000 I was stationed at chix from 1987-1989. I am searching for Teresa Einerson. She married Joe Lanigan in 1990 and he was an instructor at Goodfellow AFB during that time. If you know her or know where she may be, please contact me. Am also searching for Maureen "MO" McCarthy and Pauline Landry Hettle...
Brian S. Luther bsluther@hotmail.com Fri Mar 24 15:37:17 2000 I was stationed at Chicksands from 90-93 and I worked in JOCC. What an assignment that was! Just wanted to say you have a great site and thanks for the opportunity to relive some memories....
Mário mmontenegro@cpcis.pt Fri Mar 24 13:10:25 2000 you have a crack for registration ducks game. the ducks is like lemmings. if you have send to mmontenegro@cpcis.pt. thank you.
Brig Chris Holtom cgholtom@aol.com Wed Mar 22 12:23:14 2000 Does anyone have Whitney Booth's email. He was at Chix 54-56. He has kindly donated £150 for bulbs which we planted last year. I want to send him the pictures of the result which is fantastic, but my email for him seems to be a dud. Chris Holtom
Glenn W. Bluhm mapleview@netonecom.net Wed Mar 22 10:27:09 2000 I was stationed at chicsands from 1966-1969 I was also stationed at RAF Kirknewton, Scotland and I understand there is going to be a reunion in April in Las Vegas do you have any information?
Bill Harris ohioharris@hotmail.com Tue Mar 21 20:38:35 2000 I was stationed at Chicksands from 1973 - 1976. I worked on Charlie Flight in operations. My wife Karen (Morrow) Harris was an X1 and I was an X2. I played on the base soccer team while I was there. Looking to hear from anyone who remembers us. Had a great time while we were there and especially liked all the Charlie Flight trips.
Johnny McGill v-jmcgill@home.com Tue Mar 21 15:31:47 2000 I was Chicks 1969-71 and worked the switchboard before getting in trouble and being sent to the torn-tape relay. Would love to hear from any of the guys that may remember me! In particular, looking for Mike McConnaughey, Nick Swindell, & Gary Moore. Hope to make the reunion, I sure miss the good old days! I think I kept Pete's Taxi in business single handedly! haha! Please write or call: John L. McGill, MSgt (ret) 3364 Rahn Blvd Omaha, Ne 68123 (402) 554-5760. Hope to hear from any of you! Cheers!!!!
Johnny McGill v-jmcgill@home.com Tue Mar 21 15:30:37 2000 I was Chicks 1969-71 and worked the switchboard before getting in trouble and being sent to the torn-tape relay. Would love to hear from any of the guys that may remember me! In particular, looking for Mike McConnaughey, Nick Swindell, & Gary Moore. Hope to make the reunion, I sure miss the good old days! I think I kept Pete's Taxi in business single handedly! haha! Please write or call: John L. McGill, MSgt (ret) 3364 Rahn Blvd Omaha, Ne 68123 (402) 554-5760. Hope to hear from any of you! Cheers!!!!
Ronald Glans ronaldg@peoplepc.com Mon Mar 20 19:07:18 2000 Bill Glatz where are you? Anyone know the whereabouts of Bill please give him my e-mail. He was my best men back in 1954, in Bedford. Last contact was in the 70's when he was with the CIA.
Andrew Brandenburg crashman@freeuk.com Sat Mar 18 07:30:18 2000 I was at Chicks from 05/85 to 05/88. Looking to get back in touch with some old friends... anyone know the whereabouts of Leroy Bazzle, Cliff Splinter, Scott Cummins, Phil Renner, Wayne Baldwin, Tom Patzke, Dan Price, or any of the other 2112th crypto, teletype and computer maintenance folks from that time ? I'm back in the UK up in Yorkshire. Take care and I'll see you at the reunion.
Zan Taylor ztaylor@chicksands.com Tue Mar 14 23:37:20 2000 I have posted some of the neccessary reunion updates, I hope to have the rest completed before the weeks end. Check them out. I will try to alpha sort the alumni list to.
Addy wladdin@aol.com Tue Mar 14 14:20:35 2000 I remember the tree falling on G Block and the shooting incident well.The SP that pulled off the 45Cal Pistol flank shot was none other than Ben David. The shooter (ex paratrooper)was using a 45 cal greesegun with a banana clip. After shooting up the comm center he walked outside and fired a shot into M block. That's when David put him out of commission. The incident happened on a Mid shift with good ole Flo serving up cig ashes with hamburgers. We did have lots of fun back then and I treasure the memories.
Richard Watson watsonra@apci.com Sun Mar 12 21:38:39 2000 doesn't seem that those of us who were on Charlie Flight from 67 -71 are any better communicating now than we were then. Anybody out there recognize me? Chicken Hawk
Ron Moore sower@gte.net Fri Mar 10 15:48:22 2000 My wife Beth and I were stationed at Chix from 86-89. I worked DOA, then moved to Able flight. Would love to hear from anyone from that time. Especially would like to hear from anyone who knows some info on Ed Martin. He worked Dawg flt, then JOCC, we coached for the Herts Phantoms football team...also would love to hear from any old team members that come across this message. We will be attending the reunion, as we will be once again stationed in England by that time.
Allen R. Day arday@uswest.net Fri Mar 10 10:20:05 2000 I just found the web site. How great to read about all the "Chick" memories. I was the Transportation Officer at Chick...came down fron Kirknewton after we closed it. Fond memories of Jr. Officer parties at the Priory and Col. Harrison R. Christy Wg CC. Sorry I can't make the reunion but would love to hear from any and all about what appears to be a great event. While I'm here is USAFSS land...any contacts with 6910th from Darmstadt or Augsburg???
Ralph Morris inthestix@earthlink.net Thu Mar 9 22:06:32 2000 In reference to the tree falling on the comm center, it happened in Nov 1957. I was NCOIC of crypto/teletype maintenance at the time so thats why I remember it so well. We relocated the comm center to an adjacent "J- block" and had everything back up and running in about three days. I rotated in Jan 1958 before the comm center was rebuilt in the original "G- block". The shooting incident occurred after I left, so it would have had to be sometime in 1958.
marianne MAZTHBRIT@aol.com Thu Mar 9 21:09:51 2000 Like to write to anyone from years 1989-94,
Ambrose Jackson jac8260@aol.com Thu Mar 9 16:25:17 2000 I was stationed at Chicksands when both the oak tree fell on the Comm Center (G block), which I think, probably prior to 1955, and when the guy went nuts and shot up the Com Center. I was the Senior Duty NCO the night of the shooting. The telephone operator called me and reported that there was a disturbance in the Tech Site, but he did not infore me that it involved a gun. I went to the Site, and to get to the guard gate, I had to walk across the front of the place, by the drive-in gate, which was lit up like a Christmas tree. When I entered the gatehouse, I saw that there were several people inside huddled down below the window. The guard told me then that there was a guy loose in the Site with a guy. The officer on duty also was there (I don't remember his name), and by that time several Air Police were there. The Tech Site had very little lighting once you got away from the gate, and the guy was wandering around in the dark with, I believe, a carbine. The Lt. sent some of the men to find him, and after several minutes, there was a shot fired, and someone yelled that they had gotten him. I believe it was near M Block that they stopped him, and to put it politely, they had got him in the flank, which stopped him from sitting down for several days. After a stay in the hospital, he was put on limited duty under jurisdiction of the First Sgt. until the necessary paperwork could be done to get rid of him. I never heard what happened to him. A good friend of mine, Murl Olson, who was a Tech Controller in the old 10th/5951 RSM, and who I see very often nowadays, told me that that event took place, to the best of him knowledge, in about 1957. I am not sure about that, but I think it was around that time. The story that I heard about why the man decided to go to war, was that he supposedly told some of his buddied in a pub in Bedford that afternoon that he was tired of working the swing shift, and was going to shoot up the place. His friends didn't take him seriously until that night! We had some exciting times at the Sands in those days!
Ambrose Jackson jac8260@aol.com Thu Mar 9 16:25:05 2000 I was stationed at Chicksands when both the oak tree fell on the Comm Center (G block), which I think, probably prior to 1955, and when the guy went nuts and shot up the Com Center. I was the Senior Duty NCO the night of the shooting. The telephone operator called me and reported that there was a disturbance in the Tech Site, but he did not infore me that it involved a gun. I went to the Site, and to get to the guard gate, I had to walk across the front of the place, by the drive-in gate, which was lit up like a Christmas tree. When I entered the gatehouse, I saw that there were several people inside huddled down below the window. The guard told me then that there was a guy loose in the Site with a guy. The officer on duty also was there (I don't remember his name), and by that time several Air Police were there. The Tech Site had very little lighting once you got away from the gate, and the guy was wandering around in the dark with, I believe, a carbine. The Lt. sent some of the men to find him, and after several minutes, there was a shot fired, and someone yelled that they had gotten him. I believe it was near M Block that they stopped him, and to put it politely, they had got him in the flank, which stopped him from sitting down for several days. After a stay in the hospital, he was put on limited duty under jurisdiction of the First Sgt. until the necessary paperwork could be done to get rid of him. I never heard what happened to him. A good friend of mine, Murl Olson, who was a Tech Controller in the old 10th/5951 RSM, and who I see very often nowadays, told me that that event took place, to the best of him knowledge, in about 1957. I am not sure about that, but I think it was around that time. The story that I heard about why the man decided to go to war, was that he supposedly told some of his buddied in a pub in Bedford that afternoon that he was tired of working the swing shift, and was going to shoot up the place. His friends didn't take him seriously until that night! We had some exciting times at the Sands in those days!
Dana Tucker dtucker@velaw.com Mon Mar 6 18:48:41 2000 My parents, sister & I are attending the reunion in July; however, we have a few questions: (1) What road do you take to reach Chicksands? (2) How many miles is Chicksands from Bedford? (3) Where is Bletchly Park located and how do you reach it? Thanks
Ed Taylor ed61739@aol.com Mon Mar 6 16:05:09 2000 http://www.schoolbuddies.com Check out this FREE site! This is a great way to find your old friends from school. You can search by 1. name 2. school 3. year of graduation 4. last known address . They have a 115, 000 school database. You can even search by elementary, middle or high school as well as college. They also have a great messaging program. Well designed web site with great graphics. Take a look!
Clarence J. Fraga joeboysan@hotmail.com Mon Mar 6 12:47:42 2000 If you need me or any of the so called cream of the crop to put alumni in alphabetical order,I will be willing.right now it's a mess. let me know.
Armand L. Champagne almrc728@aol.com Sun Mar 5 22:03:47 2000 Does anyone remember Dick Sessions, Eddie Graham, Dwane Dall, William Dudley Barrows, Bill Ketchum,Bill Aloi,Dwane Coppedge,Bob Cioffi,English Chaplin Fr. Sparrow. All served from 1951 to 1953
Mike Anders WaterbuffaloA@aol.com Sun Mar 5 21:43:29 2000 Just correcting previous message e-mail address was wrong! Ed Edington (Ugly Ed) I miss talking to you.
Mike Anders Waterbuffalo@aol.com Sun Mar 5 21:38:08 2000 I was stationed at Chicksands 1987-1990. 6950th ESC Dawg Flight. Would love to hear from anybody who was there. What ever happened to Skippy? Bill Abler you out there?
Armand L.Champagne almrc728@aol.com Sun Mar 5 21:35:13 2000 Bill, my wife is afraid we(alumni)will be herded off and she will be left alone. Or that she may not be able to follow me around. I am promissing her that I will not be leaving her alone to go off somewhere with the guys etc. etc. Can I assure her that we will be together the while we will be on tour etc.? She needs some assurance. Is there an itinerary prepared yet? At this moment we are ready to sign in and send out $30.00 check. All I need is the afore mentioned assurance. Thanks for your quick reply to my former inquire. Hope to hear from you soon. Regards.. Armand L. Champagne
PAUL COBBLE rjuwds@viaccess.net Sun Mar 5 01:57:01 2000 My father was Sgt.Jim Cobble stationed in chicksands base when I was born 1958.Any one knew him e-mail me
JESSICA HUNNYBABE1285 Sun Mar 5 00:45:27 2000 I WAS IN CHICKSANDS, AS A DEPENDENT, FROM 1991-94. jUST LOOKING FOR ANYONE WHO WAS THERE AROUND THAT TIME. I WAS THERE RIGHT BEFORE THE BASED CLOSED. I REMEMBER THE RIVER AND THE ANTENNA, LIVED RIGHT BEHIND IT ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FENCE FROM WHERE THEY TOOK THE PICTURE, WHERE THE PATH IS/WAS THAT LEADS TO THE MAIN AREA OF ALL THE MILITARY PEOPLE. MISS IT THERE! I WAS ONLY IN 3RD GRADE BUT I REMEMBER IT, I HEARD ABOUT THE RENION AND DECIDED TO SEE IF THERE WAS SOMETHING ONLINE ABOUT THE BASE. WELL ANYONE THAT WAS THERE FROM THE EARLY TO MID 90'S PLEASE EMAIL ME AND TITLE IT "CHICKSANDS". THANKS.
Roger Sprague rsprague@supernet.com Sat Mar 4 16:32:16 2000 Sorry, make that Ralph Casanova!!!
Roger Sprague rsprague@supernet.com Fri Mar 3 20:51:35 2000 Was stationed at the Sands from 1956 until 1958. Well remember some of the incidenents mentioned, particularly the Russian Rocket. I was a linguist. Worked for Lt, O'neill. Does that give any of you who have been wondering a clue? Those were the days! Does anyone know where Bill Gray is? Have made contact with many others from those days. Would also like to know if anyone has heard from Paul Casanova. Am planning on attending the reunion and bringing (or going with) my wife Mary who is from Letchworth.
Tom Robinson TRobin5942@aol.com Thu Mar 2 23:27:06 2000 Members of the 6900thSS should speak up, There were many of Us exiled to the Brussel Sprout patch. 73-76. COMSEC, we were years ahead of our time.
Vince Wuwert VAWUWERT@AOL.COM Tue Feb 29 15:49:11 2000 To all reunion attendees: I have secured a very nice appreciation and congratulatory letter from my Congresswoman here in Ohio. The Honorable Marcy Kaptur of Ohio's 9th District will be extending her warmest congrats to the American vets of Chicksands and to all of the "Y" service vets also who served there during and after the war. Perhaps you might contact your Congressman or US Senator and ask for some written support from them. Give it a try...good luck to all in this endeavor.. Vince Wuwert Chix Alum 66-68
Bob Hammond rhammond@afce.com Mon Feb 28 13:45:05 2000 To Fred Davis, I certainly remember the guy that shot up the place, I got caught out in the open when he came out of the building after knocking out a bunch of positions. I used to know the air cop that shot him in the rear end and brought him down. I thought it was earlier than 1959 that this happened. I also married a girl from Bedford, in spite of all the usual it won't work talk, we have been together for 43 years and still do plan any changes. I get to go back once and a while and would love to go to the reunion. Problem is that my mother-in-law from Bedford will be coming here. In reading your note it made me think, about another memorable thing. How many of the older people remember the Russian rocket trick. The one where it supposedly just missed the old hospital (clinic) just behind the chapel. I was there for that one also.
Fred L. Davis fdavis@cyberstation.net Sun Feb 27 22:19:28 2000 Stationed at the Sands from 1959-62. Worked in "G" Block crypto section. Anyone remember the guy that shot the place up??? Or the tree that blew over and killed a guy at his intercept position?? The Sands was the best assignment I ever had. Married a girl from Bedford and worked for Stevie B (1st Lt). Capt Cleary was the article 15 person at the time. Glad to hear from some of you from back then. Also, the guy that shot the farmers cow one night when we were playing war games. Wish I could make the reunion.
WILLIAM MERCER willywade19@aol.com Sun Feb 27 13:05:33 2000 Would like to hear from anyone who remembers the good old days 1964 1967,and me of course please get in touch
WILLIAM MERCER willywade19@aol.com Sun Feb 27 13:05:24 2000 Would like to hear from anyone who remembers the good old days 1964 1967,and me of course please get in touch
Stuart Rochford rochfordstuart@hotmail.com Sun Feb 27 06:20:24 2000 If anyone can help,I am looking for a Leroy or Richard JOHN or JOHNS who was stationed at Kirknewton during 1962. The only other information I have is that he bought an M.G. car from Eccurie Ecosse in Edinburgh. This car, he then built himself and I believe it was white. Many thanks Stuart.
Greg Bell gregbell@btinternet.com Sat Feb 26 17:44:28 2000 Hi goony goo its Greg Bell any tech controllers out there stationed at chicksands 83 85 and 91 95 lived in bedford with wife sue and daughter Melissa now at raf Croughton. been overseas since 83 Guam germany England almost 9 years ready to pcs july 2000 to Peterson Colarado is it a good assingment hope to make the reuion before we leave goony goo Greg Bell.
Greg Bell gregbell@btinternet.com Sat Feb 26 17:34:54 2000 Hi Tec controlers remember greg goony goo stationed at chicks twice 82 85 and 91 95 just about last one out the door lived in Bedford now at Raf Croughton, will pcs to Colarado springs peterson this July 2000 hope to make reunion with wife Sue any thing good to say about Colarado its time to leave England been overseas since 83 Guam Germany and been in England for almost 9 years if any body remembers me drop me a line goony goo Greg Bell.
Clive Sanders c.sanders@boots.com Sat Feb 26 15:34:41 2000 I will stand anyone a foaming pint of British beer who can let me have for the museum a US Government Issue pen as used at Chicksands in the 1960's! Any other 1960's artefacts will be gratefully accepted FOR THE MUSEUM! Regards, Clive Sanders
Jim Romano aerojro@aol.com Fri Feb 25 20:21:41 2000 Just a reminder and additional info on the golf tourney we are trying to set up for the BigChicks reunion in July. The format will be"Best Ball" so that everyone can contribute and enjoy. Get back to me if you'd like to play a fun "18" with the best bunch of "Dit Catchers" the world has ever known. Would like to have a count by the end of March..Thanks guys.. "Popeye" Jim Romano('56 - "58)
Chris Holtom cgholtom@aol.com Fri Feb 25 15:38:06 2000 Its great to see all the messages on this site. I hope you gentlemen are thinking hard about coming to the reunion in July. This is going to be a big affair especially for all the US ex-Chicksands folk. For Mr Burch below, the US may have gone (well not quite all actually) but the Brits are here now and we love this place as much as you did. I hope to see you all in July 2000, Best wishes Chris Holtom (Commandant Chicksands)
Burch swanlady433@aol.com Fri Feb 25 13:28:38 2000 where will the reunion be held.The base has closed down.
Frank Gonzalez fgonz4459@aol.com Wed Feb 23 20:04:31 2000 I went back to the UK in 1975 after retiring from the USAF and served as director of the Retiree Activities Office for about 12 years under Col Don Major, Jack Diekman among others, left the UK and came to Florida for health reasons. Would like to hear from some of the retirees I served.
Bryan Weaver weaveb@hotmail.com Wed Feb 23 00:04:48 2000 I was with the 7274 SPS between Feb 1988 till Late summer of 1989. I worked on B flight an lived on the second floor of Baker dorm. Looking for the old hall way dudes and any old friends. Any one have contact with J. Picklesimer, pass on the message. You all take care.
Marty Card Martycard@aol.com Tue Feb 22 21:52:28 2000 Baker Flight, 82-85, Russian Linguist. Also co-authored "The Dead Duck," a "mid rag" that was quite popular (or notorious, depending on your viewpoint) on those long, bleeding mids. I still have every issue, complete with cover art of a duck meeting its untimely demise, usually in a violent fashion. My 20 years is almost up and I'm ready to punch out. Take a gander at my retirement web site (http://members.aol.com/Hamptonva/Retire.html) for a chuckle. Ta
Bryan Weaver weaveb@hotmail.com Mon Feb 21 23:12:15 2000 I was stationed there from 88-89 and looking for the old friends and roomies. Drop a line. Plan to attend the function.
Howard Moss hmoss@uswest.net Mon Feb 21 23:02:16 2000 Message for Terry Pressley -- looking for some friends up at MWH == Jeff Gamberton and David Griffith -- if you know them could you please pass my email address to them. Thanks -- Howard Moss (Chix - 75-79)
bob hammond rhammond@afce.com Fri Feb 18 16:26:55 2000 Ran onto this site by accident. Makes me feel old as moses. I was at the sands the first time in 1955. It sure didn't look like the picture on the site. That fancy cage you younger troops had must have been something. Just trying to see if anyone out there recognizes me from C shift, normally in D and sometimes c blks. Used to live in the prefab about where the nco club was in the 70's when I was last there.
Ambrose Jackson jac8260@aol.com Fri Feb 18 13:46:39 2000 Further to my message just sent, I forgot to say that I intend to continue my offering of my times at the Sands from 1950 to 1959 (parts of three tours). I had started, but had to stop for several reasons, a balky computer, being one of them, but I intend to continue where I left off in my bit on 4 Decenber, I think it was. Ta ta for now. Jack
Ambrose Jackson jac8260@aol.com Fri Feb 18 13:41:23 2000 To Brig Holtom: I don't remember whether I mentioned it when I 'talked' with you before, but on the occasion of one Christmas at Chicksands, the NCO Club presented members with a cigarette lighter bearing on one side the yellow Chicks logo, and on the other side was enscribed "NCO Open Mess RAF Station Chicksands England." I may have told you that I intended to denote this item to the museum, and, since you need the likeness now, I will forward the lighter to you right away. I have hopes of attending the reunion, but, for health reasons, am not absolutely sure at this time. Best regards. Jack
Frank Hewlett FLHewlett@aol.com Wed Feb 16 22:24:48 2000 Hello all/Clive Sanders My vote goes for The Americans in Chicksands 1950-1995. Might look at changing (in) to (at). I am a Nov 1950 model having joined 10 RSM at Brooks Field and made the trip from Texas to Chicksands with the original unit. Have my Tickets in hand looking forward to meeting all of you in July.
Brig Chris Holtom cgholtom@aol.com Wed Feb 16 17:48:06 2000 Cold War Certificates. I urgently need a good image of the "Fighting Chicks" logo to place on the Cold War Certificates we are designing here. Please point me at a good example on the web or post one to me at the email address above. Thank you in anticipation.
R. Book RalAil@cs.com Tue Feb 15 20:27:54 2000 To All and C. Sanders. How about this: 1950 - "YANKS" - 1995 "YOUR AMERICANS NOBLY KINDLY SERVING". Or, any other suggestions.. R. Book Aurora, Colo
Clive Sanders c.sanders@boots.com Tue Feb 15 13:59:10 2000 MUSEUM NEWS! The suggested name of the museum we are putting together to feature the things Bill Grayson and friends are supplying is "THE AMERICANS IN CHICKSANDS 1950-1995"! Does anyone have any objection to this? Please e-mail me with your comments! See you all in July, Clive Sanders
Jeff Haneline ChrisBoland@worldnet.att.net Tue Feb 15 04:48:34 2000 ATTENTION: Clive Sanders the next message below appears as though you sent it but it was actually me sending supposedly to you. Oh well, I tried. HELP!! I have acquired some photos from the early 60's. One group is a birthday party in a room - the others are outside in snow - after I fell down the concrete steps, top to bottom, every step; they were covered in ice. Anyway, I don't have a scanner but may be able to find one. Give me a couple of ways to send them, to whom, etc. Thanks.
Clive Sanders c.sanders@boots.com Tue Feb 15 04:29:44 2000 Clive - I'm Jeff Haneline 1960-1963. I just saw your message looking for a uniform or uniforms. As I saw no response in 10 days time I thought I would let you know that I believe I have a set of dress blues and khaki's. In the next day or two I will locate them if I in fact do still have them. Just thought you might like to know that someone saw what you wrote and is responding. I will get back to you either way and let you know for cer- tain by the end of the week.
Bill Blackerby oscar_b@swbell.net Tue Feb 15 00:59:14 2000 Haven't been on the web in a long time. Just stopped by to correct my information. Actually, Ralph Robison called me to inform me of a web page he has designed for Baker Flight in the mid-70's. Got some great links to other Baker Boozers from that time frame. http://www.geocities.com/Pentagon/Camp/8207/
Gary Knight gknight@mail3.newnanutilities.org Mon Feb 14 15:21:45 2000 Would like to hear from some of the 291's that worked in the compound before the FLR9 and the operations building was built. Served at the Sands from Jan 1960 thru June 1964...left the AF in Aug 1966. Would like to hear from anyone during that era
Gary Knight gknight@mail3.newnanutilities.org Mon Feb 14 15:09:49 2000 As a prior military person stationed at the Sands, I was trying to locate Robert F. Widman, he married a girl named Pat from Luton. If anyone knows his whereabouts let me know please...we were stationed togeather in the Philippines and Guam prior to the Sands.
Gayle (Rushing) Mayo rggayle@bayou.com Mon Feb 14 11:21:27 2000 Reply to Kerry Hubbs. My brother and I was also dependents at Chicksands from 74-78. Name sounds familar. Brothers name was Rick Rushing. Also if anyone out there knows of other dependets such as Janice or Sandy Edwars, please let me know.
Linda (Triplett)Nelson bowl_buddy@yahoo.com Sun Feb 13 16:50:13 2000 My late Husband Msgt Roger Triplett and I with three sons was stationed at Chicks from 1983 to 1986 we so loved it there.mant many good and lasting friends there, that I still keep intouch with.Roger passed way in Aug of 1992 we miss him dearly,I know this reunion would be something he would have loved to attended and I very much am going to try to. I would like to hear from some of the people that where there. Roger was the NCOA of the Dentil Clinc at that time.
R. Book ralail@cs.com Wed Feb 9 20:47:04 2000 In answer to C. Ballew's question. We go over every two (2) years and we are not allowed to purchase at the PX/Comm due to the SOFA agreement btwn UK/US. My brother-in-law who is a retired RAF had more privilages in the PX/Comm than I.. Unless its changed in the past two years.. R. Book Aurora Colo
Charlie Ballew cballew@sinclair.net Wed Feb 9 19:47:26 2000 What is the policy on using the Exchanges and commissaries at RAF Alconbury and RAF Lakenheath while we are attending the Chicksands reunion
Jerry L. Williams jl.williams@mindspring.com Tue Feb 8 15:12:07 2000 Would like to hear from 292x2's from '60-'62 if any of you are out there.
Charlie Ballew cballew@sinclair.net Sun Feb 6 18:50:40 2000 Please correct my E-Mail address on the REGISTERED page to reflect cballew@sinclair.net Thankyou
Terry Pressley pressley@bigfoot.com Sun Feb 6 17:40:59 2000 I was at Chix 1981-1989, DOFC and DOO (DOMO). I see a couple of names I remember from this message board: Dave "O-Man" Okonski and Bruce Koehler. I'm lucky as I get to see Chix every so often when I drive down from MHS (work for a contractor) to see my wife's family in Luton. Got a few Chix people up here at Menwith Hill, Ken Granville and Ken Curley to name a couple. For those of you that know these people, Randy Parkin (208/1N3 like myself) is now a CMSgt; Emilio Pelaez cross-trained to 1N5 and is in Denver... so much to talk about. See you then!
Vince Wuwert Vawuwert@aol.com Sun Feb 6 11:23:14 2000 Anyone remember listening to RADIO CAROLINE on the broadcast band? and if so do you remember the theme song ? what was the title ?
Denny mcCraw Hook4fsu@webtv.net Sat Feb 5 09:35:53 2000 I am trying to locate Conrad (Connie) Cline!Please email me if you know how to get in touch with him! Thanks Denny McCraw (Chix.66-68)
Clive Sanders c.sanders@boots.com Sat Feb 5 08:44:02 2000 MUSEUM. Please HELP! We need USAF uniforms for the male mannequin that will feature in the recreation of a Chicksands collection position of the 1960's. Would also be grateful for a ROYAL typewriter as similar as possible to those used in 1960's. Please help us to make a permanent exhibit to mark the contribution played by Chicksanders in the Cold War! Please e-mail me with offers. Many thanks, Clive Sanders
Bill Russell billybobjan.com Fri Feb 4 21:46:25 2000 Feb 1952 to Dec 1954 would be interested in hearing from any of old gang
Joe Fraga joeboysan@hotmail.com Thu Feb 3 21:12:48 2000 wish the chat room was up and working. there are a lot of friends that would enjoy chatting.
Lou Burns lburns3678@aol.com Thu Feb 3 19:27:24 2000 Looking for Tom (Andy) Anderson (Chicksands in early sixties and GAFB Mid sixties). He was a 202 on Charlie Flight at Chix and was in the 6948th at GAFB. Appreciate any information that is available. Cheers, Lou
R. Book ralail@cs.com Thu Feb 3 18:15:20 2000 Hey Zan: When you updated the registration list - You left our email addee. Can we get it back up? Thanks R. Book Aurora Colo
Ian ian.veary@vauxhall.co.uk Thu Feb 3 08:01:40 2000 Anyone remember the Senator roadshow,rock disco on weds fridays and Saturdays from approx1990-93 if yes this is Ian ,hi to all and drop me a message I also worked in the warehouse . peace
Martin ricansky@aol.com Wed Feb 2 13:59:12 2000 LOOKING FOR THE ONE WRITE TO ME LADIES ONLY
James & Leah Yee JYee920703@aol.com Wed Feb 2 12:40:34 2000 Please add to the registration list that James Yee was stationed at Chicksands from May 74-76 on Dog Flt.
SCOTT H ZIFF SHZ154@WEBTV.NET Tue Feb 1 18:59:43 2000 HI EVERYBODY !! I AM AN AIR FORCE VET, USAF SECURITY SERVICE, CLASS OF 1974-77. HAD A BALL OVERTHERE. ANYONE REMEMBER ME ?? RANK: SGT.
Bill Gibson sgtdpd@aol.com Tue Feb 1 15:27:33 2000 Would like to here from anyone in the air police section between 06/63 and 12/1966. Its been a long time.
Jim Goggin begogg@c2i2.com Tue Feb 1 00:41:48 2000 Looking for Bruce and Phylis Fears. Served 1975-1979 at RAF Chicksands. Thanks Jim Goggin
Lori Wilkinson johnlori@magnolia.net Mon Jan 31 22:14:16 2000 Looking for anyone from the Clinic from 1987-1991 ,or anyone who remembers me(I was the x-ray tech) Would love to hear from you!
kerry hubbs klh1960 Sun Jan 30 23:55:08 2000 I was a dependent from 74 to 77 looking for anyone that made the ride from chiks to alconbury every day except for those fog days
JIM GOGGIN begogg@C2i2.com Sun Jan 30 14:00:48 2000 Looking for Larry Sands or George Patton who served in late 70s. Heard that Sands might be back in England. Any help appreciated at begg@C2i2.com Thanks
Duke Dwyer dukedot@earthlink.net Sat Jan 29 15:18:19 2000 To R Book I try to e Mail you but the e Mail address ralail@sc.com is bad. I live in Colorado Springs CO e Mail me and I let you know about rental cars.or Phone Me at719-635-8344. we are flying out of Denver on the 9 of July. Email me your phone # and I will call you I will in Denver the 8 of Feb. Duke
Al Meek almeek@usit.com Fri Jan 28 17:26:52 2000 Served with 2167th Aug 1964 - Aug 1967. Worked for Lt Druffel in the Comm Office. In 1966-1967 we lived at 3A Ampthill Road, Shefford directly across from the Fish and Chips joint, two doors from the little bakery that had the cream filled goodies, and directly in front of the licensed Betting Office. In the vernacular, "It don't get no better than this." We intend to come to the reunion.
Clark Savage Csavage@yahoo.com Fri Jan 28 09:30:44 2000 Looking for Larry Jones and/or Patricia Septer. Both on Able Flight in the late 70's. Does anyone know of there whereabouts? Thanks. See you at the reunion......
Norman Lee Tay721Nor@aol.com Wed Jan 26 12:47:01 2000 Hey, does anyone on this link know an Ex-Chick, Ex-Kirknewton guy by the name of Vernell Richardson, who is living in the Bedford area. If so please send me a message. He was also stationed at Kirknewton, as well as Chicksands. I am an Ex-Kirknewton guy, who used to play Basketball at Chicksands, years ago (58-63). Would appreciate any assistance in finding Rick and Jan Richardson. Thanks much, QSP SK
R. Book ralail@cs.com Wed Jan 26 11:31:54 2000 Does anyone have a recommendation toward a car rental company for the reunion timeframe? Thanks R. Book Aurora Co.
Brig Chris Holtom cgholtom@aol.com Sun Jan 23 12:30:40 2000 MUSEUM. I have good pictures of life at Chicksands from the 1950s but not much from the 60's onwards. We intend to blow up selected photographs to show the development of Chicksands, the people, the living quarters, sports, the cars they owned, social or parade occasions, dedications - church, memorial wall etc. If you have any good photos of this kind of stuff please send them to me, Brig Chris Holtom, DISC, Chicksands, Shefford SG17 5PR, UK. You will get the credit if we use them in the museum and of course I will get the originals back to you. Best wishes.
Guy Chapura winston@sumter.net Sat Jan 22 22:34:55 2000 Karen & I stationed there from 83-87 at the clinic. Remember Jack Cox, Joe Dye, Angie Tingy(British nurse), Scott Nicholson, Joe Frazier, Ed & Mitzi Ring
lynnette corwin nette3@wans.net Thu Jan 20 23:59:05 2000 this message is for steve. nette3@wans.net here is my e-mail address for you. also, hello to donnie and diane. the next time you go to bedford and see my gran, give her a big hug and kiss since i can`t from here. thanks.
Ron Isler ronisler@dotplanet.net Thu Jan 20 16:54:30 2000 1-20-200 Today, I sent e-mails to Senators McCain,Kyl and Congressman Ed Pastor- regarding support of HR303 and Military Health Care Regards, Ron Isler ronisler@dotplanet.net
Warren Sleeter nassaw@earthlink.net Thu Jan 20 12:54:18 2000 Like the site. Was real suprised when I looked in the gallery 1960. The re-enlistment group has a picture of someone I haven't seen in years and I look in the mirror every day. Boy was I ever that young? I think the Air Force paid me about $600 to raise my hand. I was stationed at Chix twice 1962-66 and 1975-78. Looking forward to the reunion.
Donnie Haire rabbit@hutch3.freeserve.co.uk Tue Jan 18 16:11:35 2000 Great site, was stationed at Chix for many years. Looking for anyone who might have a video of the closure in 1995. Diane and I are in the UK at the moment. Still working for DOD, we're at RAF Molesworth, will be here for a few more years. Anyway if there are any of the LG folks from the 50th or the 2112th get in touch and if anyone has a tape or know where I might one please let us know. Thanks in advance D. Haire
Guy Earle NU40@aol.com Tue Jan 18 16:02:54 2000 For BILL GRAYSON: would appreciate and answer if you received mt message re-Jim George. Thanks - guy earle NU40@aol.com
Guy Earle NU40@aol.com Tue Jan 18 14:25:38 2000 For Bill Grason . I am passing message from Jim George--Will be pleased to speak at reunion provided Doctor gives green light at 3 Feb test in Boston. Regret delay in responding, Sincerely - Jim George.Note: NU40 will pass any messages to Jim if you desire!!!
guy earle NU40@aol.com Tue Jan 18 14:20:35 2000 For Bill Grayson--Am passing folowing from Jim George:Will be pleased to speak at reunion provided Doctor gives me a green light at 3 Feb test in Boston.Regret delay in responding-Sincerely-Jim George
ELSON DAVID David@Elson.com Tue Jan 18 10:56:51 2000 Lil help PSE....... looking for ******** MIKE COOK ******** 6931 DOFB X1 1989. Hello to all who recognize my name. Thanks Zan for the site!
Sharon Lee Butcher sharon.butcher@arnold.af.mil Mon Jan 17 12:37:19 2000 Note valid e-mail address on this message. It supercedes the one on the alumni list. Please change it. Thanks.
Rebecca Fahey. rgfahey@aol.com Fri Jan 14 16:35:46 2000 Good news-Event Details We are now a little clearer on the details of the reunion events & costs. I will summarize the reuion events which have a cost - you should email me your attendance selections & the number of folks who will accompany you. You can pay for your events upon arrival at the base. Payment would be made in pounds sterling. All prices are per person. Complete packet of all event admissions - 40 pounds per person. Event, Date, Cost BBQ-lunch Tues 11th 4 pounds Barn Dance-Tues 11th 6 pounds Dinner/Dance-Wed 12th 16 pounds Concert/Fireworks-Thur 13th 14 pounds Please also send me your request for base accomodations. Indicate your party size. If you have already submitted a reservation please just verify your need for accomodation. We are still awaiting info on the cost for base accomodations but it is projected to be less than the prices off base. For those of you who do lodge on base - these accomodations will only be available from morning of Monday, July 10 thru morning of Sunday July 16. If you are going to be in the area before or after these dates you will have to make your own lodging arrangements off base. Hot News!!! BG Holtsom has just secured a sponsor for the FLR 9! Reunion sponsored transportation to the base is VERY limited. Unless you are arriving at entry ports in groups of 15 or more you should plan to make your own way to Chicksands. Please let me know if you have a group of 15 or more traveling to Chicksands for the reunion. We will get back to you with the cost for this service. Our registrations are continuing to flow in - keep talking it up to alumni you know. Watch this site for the latest list of registered alumni - Zan may have it posted around Jan 15. Thanks for wading thru this info - I trust it has been informative for you. If you were waiting on this info before you commit to the reunion please make the decision to SEE US THERE!!! Cheers Becky, Chicksands Reunion National Registrar
Paul Wimberly OVR-50329@ovb.net Tue Jan 11 18:35:20 2000 Was stationed at Chicksands 1980-1984. After that I went to Bad Aibling. Who is the DoD Chief of Station there now? Is Linda Spafford still the DoD Leased Housing person? Would like to hear from her if she's still around. Thanks! Bonnie (Stephens) Snodgrass
James Rice jimpearl_2000@yahoo.com Tue Jan 11 18:08:31 2000 Trying to locate John Dankovich, Ted Clark or any of the guys who were bowling on the base travelling team 1959-62. Anybody out there who has their address or email address?
Don Marsolais dpmarsolais@softcom.net Tue Jan 11 02:52:00 2000 Looking for Billy Blackburn, Jerry Van Weelden, Dave Koehnig, Jimmy Walker, Sgt. MacNair or anybody else who was assigned to A Flight during 1967-1969. The "Flash" would love to hear from you. Check out my website @ www.ina.net/ezshop/marsolais.
Zan Taylor ztaylor@chicksands.com Mon Jan 10 20:17:49 2000 Message board got blown out somehow on Sunday... This is my latest backup. If you don't see your message, please repost.
Ronald Giscombe GISSFAA@AOL.COM Tue Jan 4 19:58:46 2000 Hi Folks I was stationed there 1973-1980 I was with the MEAR TEAM an played on the base Football team ,I'll look forward to seeing everyone at the Reunion , There will be a couple of team members comming with me POP'S an BUBBL'S just to name a few .
Chris Holtom cgholtom@aol.com Tue Jan 4 17:26:35 2000 I have received today the equivalent of $2000 from a sponsor and I have ordered the model of the FLR-9 accordingly. We should have it by the end of March. We are hoping Director NSA will open the exhibit on 13 July. I expect to get the bulk of the balance of cash from another sponsor. Look forward to seeing you all in July - best wishes Chris Holtom.
James Clark james.clark@hlbcpa.com Mon Jan 3 16:23:31 2000 Hey all. I was trying to remember the Chix site I happened upon several months ago and thought this may be it. Don't recognize as many names and there are far fewer messages. In any case, I was stationed at Chix from Jan 88-91 as a "Ditty Bop" on Baker Flight, though I moved to Able for a while. Some may remember the unforgettable BXX Racer. For those who remember or wish to catch up, feel free to drop a line or two.
Ray Criner rccriner@aol.com Mon Jan 3 14:25:56 2000 Looking for Glen Roberts was in and still may be at Chichsand's Fire Dept.
Zan Taylor ztaylor@chicksands.com Sun Jan 2 14:38:23 2000 A request for funds has gone out to Chicksands Alumni. A museum is being created, honoring those of us in the intelligence community and they need your help. A model of the FLR/9 has been suggested and a model builder contacted. Can you spare a few bucks to get this accomplished before the reunion? If you'd like to help, email: Rbstrany@aol.com
Kirk Carter kdcarter@frontiernet.net Sat Jan 1 23:34:39 2000 I would like to wish everyone a happy new year. My family were at Chicksands from the 50`s to it`s closure. My father Ken Carter was first stationed there in the 50`s were he met my mother Belle Cook in Bedford later he stayed and worked there as a civilian. many of you from the 80`s would have known my brother Glenn Carter at the bowling center, and Debbie Carter at the COM. My father saw the last year at Chicksands and passed away that same year. We bought him back home here to Fort Dodge Ia. to rest. I am not sure about returning for the reunion. I was there at the end and it was like seeing an old friend leave for good.It was so quiet! No traffic, no lights, just the sound of the of the flag pole rope tapping on the pole in the night breeze. The gas pumps were gone, the BX closed and empty. it was a very sad sight.It had been my second home since 1961 and now it has gone! Who knows, I may change my mind. My best wishes to all of you who served there. Kirk
Brian K. Montgomery montgomery@coiinc.com Sat Jan 1 16:06:04 2000 I'm looking for Sgt. Salazar who was stationed @ Chicksands during the '70's. He later went onto Ft. Devens, MA. where he was an instructor at the 207x1 morse school. He met and married a girl whom he met in Bedford. He was my instructor (AMD) @ Ft. Devins and I would like to get in touch with him.